Student life Issue Three

ISSUE THREE

IN THIS ISSUE...

Inter views w/ NOEL FIELDING JULES QUINN CLEAN BANDIT ORDINARY BOYS Plus City Guides, Student Advice and House Hunting Top Tips

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HI! WELCOME TO ACCOMMODATION FOR STUDENTS’ NEWEST GUIDE, WHERE YOU’LL FIND TOP TIPS ON GETTING THE BEST UNI ACCOMMODATION DEALS AND MAKING THE MOST OF STUDENT LIFE. I’m Lou and I study MA Humanitarianism

This issue, we’ve got something for

and Conflict Response at the University

everyone. Get the inside scoop from

of Manchester. Having been a student/

students all over the UK, giving you

put off ‘real life’ for a number of years

advice on where the best eating,

now, I’ve seen a lot of housing, from

drinking,

halls of residence to the lovely little flat

are

I now call home. I’ve also had my fair

entrepreneurs have the opportunity to

share of housing nightmares, including

work with us as we share some tips on

dodgy run-away landlords, clashes over

how to start your own business whilst

the dreaded bins, and some horror film-

at uni, and why there’s no time like

style damp down the back of the sofa.

the present to get started. We’ve also

With these sorts of experiences in mind, we’ve made this guide to give you everything you need to deal with the ups and downs of uni life. Being away from home, juggling a hectic study schedule and

maintaining

that

all-important

social life can be stressful enough. Made by students for students, AFS is here to

dancing

located

in

and your

living city.

spots

Student

been chatting to Clean Bandit about their experience of starting a band with uni mates, and how classical music has broken into the dance scene. You might also want to keep reading for a fantastic interview with Noel Fielding, and yes— it’s as weird and wonderful as you could hope for!

ensure you find the best housing deals

Set up by students for students, we’re

and don’t get ripped off in the process.

here to help, and won’t charge you a

In this handy guide you’ll also find first-

penny for any of our services. We’re the

hand tips about the rest of the student

UK’s leading student accommodation

experience, coming directly to you from

site, so rest assured that whether you’re

our student team.

looking for a new home, or just some friendly advice on student living, you’ve come to the right place.

From all of us here at AFS, we hope you enjoy this guide as much as we enjoyed making it!

Lou

Life made simple for students.

Glide makes bills simple for students living in shared households.

We provide gas, electricity, water, telephone, broadband and TV licences. You choose which services you want and we give each housemate a single monthly bill, split equally, so everyone pays the same.

Simply go to glide.uk.com to see how we can make your life simple.

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FEATURED NOEL FIELDING WE TALK TO THE COMEDIAN ABOUT HIS NEW LIVE SHOW, MAKING MUSIC WITH KASABIAN AND THE BENEFITS OF PEPPERMINT TEA.

FIND THE RIGHT ACCOMMODATION MAKE ALL THE RIGHT MOVES BY READING OUR GUIDE TO FINDING THE RIGHT ACCOMMODATION.

CLEAN BANDIT

TOP TEN PAYING DEGREES

STRINGS PLAYER NEIL TALKS TO US ABOUT UNI, WORKING WITH LILLY COLE AND THEIR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE.

MAKE SURE YOUR TIME AT UNI PAYS BY READING OUR GUIDE TO THE TOP TEN MOST LUCRATIVE DEGREE COURSES

ENTREPRENEURS ASSEMBLE

WHAT YOUR DEGREE SAYS ABOUT YOU?

FANCY YOURSELF AS THE NEXT ZUCKERBERG? READ OUR TIPS ON BECOMING A SUCCESSFUL STUDENT ENTREPRENEUR AND FIND OUT HOW WE CAN HELP YOU TAKE YOUR FIRST STEPS IN BUSINESS.

HAVE YOU GOT YOUR FINGER ON THE PULSE OR YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZE? FIND OUT WITH OUR CLICHÉ’ FREE PIECE ON WHAT YOUR DEGREE SAYS ABOUT YOU.

JULES QUINN

THE ORDINARY BOYS

RECENT GRADUATE JULES QUINN ON HER JOURNEY TO START A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS

WE TALK TO THE ORDINARY BOYS ABOUT THEIR LIVES ON AND OFF STAGE, WHAT WE CAN EXPECT FROM THEM AND THEIR TAKE ON UNI LIFE.

6

CONTENTS

CONTENTS NOEL FIELDING

8

CLEAN BANDIT

10

ENTREPRENEURS ASSEMBLE

12

JULES QUINN

13

FIND THE RIGHT ACCOMMODATION

15

AFS TOP TIPS

18

ABERDEEN GUIDE

20

BIRMINGHAM GUIDE

23

BRISTOL GUIDE

30

BRIGHTON GUIDE

34

CORK GUIDE

36

TOP TEN PAYING DEGREES

38

COVENTRY GUIDE

39

DUBLIN GUIDE

44

DUNDEE GUIDE

45

EDINBURGH GUIDE

49

EXETER GUIDE

54

NOEL FIELDING

8

CLEAN BANDIT

10

JULES QUINN

13

7

GLASGOW GUIDE

60

LANCASTER GUIDE

64

LEEDS GUIDE

68

LEICESTER GUIDE

74

LIVERPOOL GUIDE

79

LONDON GUIDE

86

MANCHESTER GUIDE

95

NEWCASTLE GUIDE

98

NOTTINGHAM

104

WHAT YOUR DEGREE SAYS ABOUT YOU

112

PORTSMOUTH

114

SHEFFIELD

119

SOUTHAMPTON

126

WOLVERHAMPTON

132

YORK

137

THE ORDINARY BOYS

142

FIND THE RIGHT ACCOMM

15

AFS TOP TIPS

18

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Noel Fielding is currently on his first solo tour for five years. The comedian, who thanks to his work on The Mighty Boosh, Noel Fielding’s Luxury Comedy and Never Mind the Buzzcocks, has an enormous student following and is currently starring in a new show, ‘An Evening with Noel Fielding’.

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NOEL FIELDING Featuring

blend

Noel, who for many years has been a

of stand up, animation, music and

Noel’s

inimitable

highly popular team captain on BBC2’s

appearances by some of his best-loved

widely-loved and very long running pop

characters, including The Moon, The

quiz, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, is also

Dark Side of the Moon and Fantasy Man,

relishing the prospect of touring the

it’s a blinding show.

country. ‘It’s great’ he enthuses. ‘You

When we speak to him, the five years away from the live arena have only whetted Noel’s appetite for stand-

get to visit all these nice places you’ve never been to before. When you arrive in a lot of towns, you just go ‘Wow,!

up. He was eager to get back in front

The comedian, who will be joined on

of an audience. The performer, who

stage in ‘An Evening with Noel Fielding’

has spent the last few years occupied

by his brother Michael, tells us the show

by the meticulously produced, semi-

features music he has composed with

animated E4 show, Noel Fielding’s

Serge Pizzorno from Kasabian, tells us,

Luxury Comedy, tell us that nothing

‘the evening is not something I’d usually

beats the rush generated by live work.

do, it’s more like something Barry

‘The problem with TV is that it takes

Humphries would do.’

years to make, and after a while you can’t remember what it’s like to tell a joke and get a laugh from it.

As a favourite of the critics (The Daily Telegraph calls him ‘a comedy wunderkind) it is no surprise that the

‘The great thing about live comedy is

show has been well received. Fielding

that it cuts out the middle men – all

modestly tell us ‘I hope the audience

those TV producers and directors. It

have a really good time, I hope they

takes out everything that gets in the

laugh their heads off, I’ve always been

way, so it’s just you and the audience.

concerned not to sell people short’.

It’s a really pure set-up.’

The only drawback about touring as

Because it’s so deeply original and

are as he is concerned is that, ‘You’re

innovative, Noel’s comedy can divide

buzzing with adrenaline when you come

people. But he thinks the infectious

off stage. You have to do something

nature of his stand-up show can help

with that, and it’s very hard not to get

to win over a student audience. ‘Some

drunk. In the old days, we’d give the

people might think they’re allergic to

Rolling Stones a run for their money

you, but if they come to a live show and

with our after-show behaviour.

see everyone is laughing, it’s hard to say it’s not funny. It was the same with Boosh, Sceptics were convinced when they came to see our shows. As a stand up, you spend all day being nervous. But as soon as you step onto the stage and get the first laugh, it’s magic time. It’s like being in a dream. It’s a real buzz’.

‘But now I’m in my forties, I have to find new ways to calm down. Like Mick Jagger, I’ll have to get fit. After the show, Michael and I used to go drinking.

Now we go to local markets and drink peppermint tea’ Unable to resist one last gag, Noel concludes ‘It’s the peppermint Tea Tour. I should have called it that!’

10

CLEAN BANDIT INTERVIE W

CLEAN BANDIT INTERVIEW BY ELLIE MCCALDIN UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD

You’ll be hard pressed to find a band convincing Lily Cole to swim around an

FIRST OF ALL, HOW DID YOU ALL MEET AND WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE BAND’S NAME?

algae covered pool (for music video,

Well Jack, Grace and I all met at

UK Shanty), playing with the BBC

University, and Luke is Jack’s little brother.

Philharmonic or chilling out at Craig

The name Clean Bandit comes from a

David’s home in Miami, the band seem,

Russian phrase meaning total bastard,

largely, unflappable.

which people regularly called Grace when

It’s unsurprising then that the group

she lived in Moscow.

have managed to deliver its bespoke

HOW DID YOU MANAGE TO JUGGLE FORMING CLEAN BANDIT WITH STUDYING SOME OF THE MOST INTENSE COURSES IN THE COUNTRY?

as versatile as Clean Bandit. Whether

fusion of electric beats and live strings, a combination that may sound strange on paper, so seamlessly to a general public who may not necessarily have a love of classical music at its core.

Formed in 2009, Clean Bandit was born when multi-instrumentalist Jack began bootlegging

and

mixing

recordings

of cello player Grace’s string-quartet.

Champion multitaskers, the band wrote music, started up their own club night and created a local following by staging numerous gigs, whilst simultaneously studying

for

their

undergraduate

degrees. It’s enough to make any 5pmpajama-clad-student-about-to-watchPointless squirm with guilt.

So far, 2014 has seen the electroquartet play at more than 30 festivals, release their debut studio album, “New Eyes”, and secure a UK number one with “Rather Be”.

With no sign of slowing

down, I asked strings player Neil to look back over his time at the University of Cambridge, the current tour and where Clean Bandit might be headed next.

There’s always time! Plus, the courses weren’t as intense as everyone thinks. *At this point I should mention that not only did Clean Bandit start making their own

music

undergraduate

whilst

studying

degrees,

but

for

their

they

also

created their own club night - National Rail Disco- as a platform from which to showcase it.

INEVITABLY, “THE RIOT CLUB” IS DRAWING A LOT OF CURIOSITY TOWARDS THE SECRET DRINKING SOCIETIES OF OXBRIDGE. WERE YOU AWARE OF THESE CLUBS DURING YOUR UNDERGRADUATE YEARS? WERE ANY OF YOU INVITED TO JOIN? It was very hard not to be aware of them as, at Cambridge, they weren’t really secret; they were everywhere. Only Grace was ever invited...but she was not nearly loutish enough to join.

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DO YOU EVER THINK YOU’LL BE ABLE TO ‘SETTLE DOWN’ WITH A PERMANENT SINGER? OR DO YOU ENJOY THE FREEDOM OF SWITCHING

WHAT’S BEEN THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU’VE EXPERIENCED

UP THE VOCALS FOR EVERY TRACK?

was difficult as there was no budget

At the moment, we can’t really imagine having a permanent singer.

Working with different vocalists on every track on New Eyes gave us so much more freedom than we would otherwise have had. It’s difficult to envision meeting someone with that sort of versatility!

YOU’RE VETERAN PERFORMERS AT THE TUESDAY CLUB IN SHEFFIELD. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE UNIVERSITY VENUE TO PLAY

WHILST MAKING YOUR VIDEOS? Before we had a record label, it but, luckily, Grace is the Queen of persuading people to perform unlikely favours. That sounds kind of dirty, but she genuinely is just a true hustler.

YOU’VE FOUND A WINNING FORMULA BY MIXING ELECTRONIC AND CLASSICAL MUSIC. DO YOU THINK YOU’LL STRAY FAR FROM YOUR CURRENT SOUND ON FUTURE ALBUMS? DO YOU FEEL UNDER PRESSURE TO OUTDO YOUR OWN EXPERIMENTAL NATURE?

AND WHY?

Well, Grace and I play the cello and

Probably our old college at Cambridge,

violin in the band, so hopefully we will

just because the nostalgia is so strong

keep using those sounds! I don’t think

and we get an amazing reception

we feel pressure on the experimental

when we return.

front; hopefully, we can have as much

WHAT’S BEEN THE MOST SURREAL EXPERIENCE YOU’VE HAD AS A GROUP WHILST ON TOUR? Craig David sang Rather Be to us at his place in Miami. It was truly amazing.

YOU’RE WELL KNOWN FOR YOUR AMAZING MUSIC VIDEOS. HOW INVOLVED ARE YOU AS A UNIT IN THE CREATIVE PROCESS BEHIND

freedom to do what we want with our second album as we did with our first.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE COVERS/REMIXES THAT YOU’VE HEARD OF YOUR OWN MUSIC? The Gorgon City remix of Nightingale is a full-on banger.

WHAT WERE YOUR BIGGEST FEARS WHEN YOU LEFT HOME FOR

THESE?

UNIVERSITY?

We make them ourselves with the

I was actually desperately excited until

help of a couple of friends. Jack has

the day of departure, and then I was

directed all our videos so far and

just super nervous and shy of having

they’ve become as integral a part of

to meet so many new people.

our output as the music.

IF YOU COULD GO BACK AND DO UNI AGAIN, IS THERE ANYTHING THAT YOU’D DO DIFFERENTLY? WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO FRESHERS STARTING THIS TERM? It sounds like a stock answer, but I really would just try and make more of it. Play harder, work harder, etc etc, and waste as little time as possible pissing about on the internet/ social media. Never again do you have so much free time when you can just achieve whatever you want with it, rather than having to earn a living.

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ENTREPRENEURS, ASSEMBLE!

ENTREPRENEURS, ASSEMBLE! If you want to start up your own

pitched on the show back in 2005,

system (as well as a bit of healthy

business or organisation, then we’re

and walked away from the pesky

competition!) and helps you find

the right people for you. Here at

Dragons with viewers’ investment

people who might compensate for

Accommodation for Students we

offers immediately flooding in. The

areas that you’re not as confident or

understand that uni life can be

show was watched by a whopping

experienced in, and vice versa.

overwhelming at times and that a

2.5 million people, so we know all

little bit of extra support can make all

about the importance of branding and

the difference. We’ve got the proof

exposure. The experience also taught

that students are more than capable

us a lot about the way in which we

of building their careers whilst juggling

wanted our company to develop, and

a hectic study schedule, so fear not—

what we were (and weren’t!) willing

it IS possible! If you’ve got a pitch for

to compromise on and prioritise. So

a potential business, or even just a

whether you’re worried about gaining

fresh idea that you want to get off the

exposure, funding, or contacts, we’re

ground, give us a shout - we’d love to

here for you now because we’ve been

hear from you.

there too.

OUR STORY

Need help getting your bright idea off

there’s a tad more passion required

the ground? Come and pitch to us!

for your potential future business!

In 2000, Accommodation for Students

Once you’ve covered your bases, you should be ready to pitch. Investment is a serious business, so make sure you’re taken seriously too by coming prepared. We’re a friendly bunch so there’s no need to be intimidated, but bear in mind that we do need to be intrigued and impressed by what you’re pitching! Think of it as preparing your argument for a tutorial presentation or exam… Except that

With several other companies under

was founded, after two students

We’re always on the look-out for

(Simon Thompson and William Berry)

students who share our passion for

suffered first-hand the struggles of

great new ideas, and we take pride

finding housing at uni. The pair were

in being able to help others get on

determined to make the process

the road to success. Whether you’re

smoother and more student-friendly,

looking for funding, a networking

and so set about creating a website

opportunity or just some friendly and

that facilitated the process of finding

expert advice, we’re here for you - so

a perfect place to live. Going from

don’t be shy - let’s get started.

STILL UNSURE?

If you’ve not quite developed your

If all of this hasn’t been enough to

pitch or business plan yet, don’t panic.

persuade you about the perks of

First thing’s first: make sure you’re

entrepreneurial life, keep reading

doing everything you can to turn your

for our interview with Jules Quinn,

initial idea into a reality. Be patient,

founder of The TeaShed. Jules shares

good concepts can’t be hurried, and

her secrets on achieving so much

you don’t want to get caught out with

so young, and gives us the inside

gaping loopholes in your business

scoop on why there’s no time like

strategy. Always keep in mind what

the present for students to grab that

it is that you want to achieve and the

elusive dream job.

strength to strength fourteen years after foundation, AFS is the top search engine for student accommodation, and it’s easy to see why. Our website is free for students, quick and easy to navigate, and has everything you could possibly want from your housing search. As well as accommodation listings, we also offer money and stress-saving student tips, city guides and blogs that cater to your every need. We’ve stuck to our core values whilst our business has simultaneously grown in size and success… now we want to help other student entrepreneurs do the same!

We’re here to support you as well as to provide some handy tips from our first-hand experience, and can’t wait to hear your ideas and pitches. In the mean-time, why not brush up on some Dragons Den binge-watching! We successfully

values that you want to stand for as a company. You don’t want to lose sight of the reason that you started your investment in the first place!

Meeting and connecting with likeminded people whilst at uni is one of the best ways to firmly ground your plans - you might even gain

our belt as well as AFS, we’re open to diverse ideas and sectors, and want to hear what you’ve got to say on your chosen field. As long as you’ve done your research, you work hard, and you’re passionate - we’re going to be keen to hear what you have to say.

ACCOMMODATION FOR STUDENTS Manchester Office, The Old Church Albert Hill Street, Didsbury, Manchester M20 6RF LONDON OFFICE 164 Acton High Street, Acton, London, W3 6QZ

potential partners or contacts from

ALL ENQUIRIES:

your university experience. Many

Tel: 0845 351 9911

universities have societies specifically tailored for entrepreneurs, which can provide an excellent support

Email: support@ accommodationforstudents.com

1 31 3

AN INTERVIEW WITH JULES QUINN, FOUNDER OF THE TEASHED Jules Quinn started up her own

other industries such as food and

business whilst still at University,

how even these can have trends, just

HOW DO YOU BEST MOTIVATE/PUSH YOURSELF TO ACHIEVE THE MOST

studying a Fashion degree at

as fashion does and we learnt a lot

OUT OF A WORKING DAY?

Northumbria. Working on a placement

about business too. My fashion/design

I am always at my desk by 9am. It is

in London, it was during a tea-run

background has actually really helped

quite easy when you are working for

that Jules spotted a gap in the drinks

me. While I have worked with experts

yourself to slip into bad habits, so I am

market, and decided to launch her

in tea to assist me with TeaShed, I

very strict with myself and I always

own design-led tea company. Jules

approach tea from a design background

work really hard to make the most of

combined a passion for tea with her

so I have brought something different

my day. I think this is also really good

creative and business skills to ensure

which is part of what I think has

advice for students, particularly those

that The TeaShed was already up and

made this venture so successful. It

in the final years of uni. Treating your

running by the time she graduated

also means I don’t have to pay design

week as a working week can help you

in 2011. Jules tells us why “being at

agencies; I can do much of what we

focus and prepare you for the future.

university is the best time to start

require myself.

a business”, and gives us some

AT WHAT POINT IN YOUR LIFE DID YOU DECIDE THAT YOU WANTED TO BE YOUR OWN BOSS?

HOW HAVE YOU MANAGED TO MARKET YOUR TEA SO THAT IT APPEALS TO BOTH SMALL-SCALE INDEPENDENT BUYERS AND

entrepreneurial tips on how to become your own boss (and love your job too).

THERE’S A SEEMINGLY LARGE DISTINCTION BETWEEN THE FASHION AND TEA INDUSTRIES, WHAT PERSUADED YOU TO LEAVE ONE

I decided this before I even went to

AND JOIN THE OTHER?

I knew from a young age that it was

Although I did a fashion degree at

just about finding the right business for

Northumbria, we learned so much

me and I knew that that time would

more than just this. We looked at

come.

university. I have never wanted to have “a job”, not even as a teenager, it was just never even a consideration for me.

NATIONWIDE CHAIN STORES? We definitely appeal more to independent buyers, mainly because we are small and care about the personal touches. However, John Lewis is particularly keen on supporting new companies and they liked the story behind the TeaShed. If you get an

14

INTERVIEW WITH JULES QUINN

offer from a big chain you have to take

ENTREPRENEUR?

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR BEST PIECE OF ADVICE FOR ANY STUDENTS WANTING TO START UP THEIR OWN BUSINESS WHILST STILL AT

Yes, we actually have a new product

UNIVERSITY?

launching next week – “PopaBall”.

I think being at university is the best

They are little bursting bubbles which

time to start a business – although

you pop into your drink, such as

it may not always seem it, you have

squash, juice or even champagne.

time in which to do so. Most students

They burst in your mouth as you drink

are already living on quite minimal

LONDON?

releasing a shot of flavour. We are first

amounts of money anyway and there

Although originally from Leeds, I have

launching with strawberry, blueberry,

are grants out there to help people

lived in Newcastle for the last 10-11

passion fruit, lychee and green apple.

start a business. As a student, you

years, it’s my home and it is where

They are also brilliant in cocktails!

aren’t giving anything up, other than

I wanted to be based from. I have everyone looks out for one another

IT’S BEEN FOUR YEARS SINCE THAT PLACEMENT, WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF AND THE TEASHED IN

which has made it a great place

ANOTHER FOUR?

it, this is the perfect time so explore

to start a business. I’m actually in

We are definitely hoping to grow

different ideas but ensure you keep

London for the next few weeks as

globally. We have launched in Japan

your overheads low and are careful on

there are lots of events in the lead

and the brand is going really well there

how and what you spend your money.

up to Christmas which are ideal for

so now it’s about getting into other

Nothing ventured, nothing gained!

TeaShed but I don’t think I would move

countries where tea is a good seller.

from my North East base – it is of

It’s not just about selling in the UK,

WHAT’S THE MOST VALUABLE LESSON THAT UNIVERSITY

course also much cheaper up north.

it’s about expanding, and worldwide

TAUGHT YOU?

it as this is where the volume comes from, but for us, it’s great to have smaller buyers too who really push who we are and what we’re about. I think it’s good to have bit of both.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT THE NORTH EAST THAT MAKES IT YOUR PRIMARY BASE? WOULD YOU BE INCLINED TO MOVE TO SOMEWHERE LIKE

a good network of people here and

WITH THE TEA MARKET BECOMING EVER MORE POPULAR AND DIVERSE (PARTICULARLY CRAZES SUCH AS “FITTEA”), HOW DO YOU STAY

FOR THE TIME BEING, ARE THERE ANY OTHER PROJECTS THAT YOU’RE KEEN TO GO INTO AS AN

distribution is perfectly achievable so we have big plans. On a smaller scale, we have also just opened a TeaShed Deli at Northumbria University and

COMPETITIVE AND UNIQUE?

would like to roll this out in other

We always try and look at different

universities as soon as possible. My

packaging to make sure we stand out

ideal situation would be to be like

from other brands. We also have

the Starbucks of the tea world, but of

a really great gifting range which

course that involves a lot of financial

is different to other brands, such

backing!

as Clipper or Teapigs, because they don’t offer this. Twinings have their traditional tea tin but we try to give

free time, because you haven’t yet started your career so there is less risk involved. My advice is to go for

To believe in yourself. With university, there is a structure and guidelines which, of course, in order to obtain your degree you must follow these. But they are not always right / applicable in the real world and you still have to have belief in yourself and your ideas. So I think I learned that getting a degree and “ticking those boxes” is important, but believing in your own ideas no matter what anyone else tells you is also essential.

the market something fresh and more

www.TeaShed.co.uk

contemporary. We also host a lot

www.PopaBall.co.uk

of events, afternoon tea parties and

Discount Code: STUDENT TEA TIME

pop-up events which is a great way to spread the TeaShed name and we have a lot of fun at the same time.

15

STUDENTS’ GUIDE TO FINDING THE RIGHT ACCOMMODATION Finding somewhere to live with a paint job from this century and a functioning oven seems a straightforward proposition. Unfortunately, the reality is often a blizzard of chilling decisions; frosty landlords and defrosted hopes, dreams and potato waffles.

Allow us to turn up the heat on this deep freeze. Our website www. accommodationforstudents.com is a

TYPES OF ACCOMMODATION: There are numerous living arrangements to consider, the five most common being: halls of residence; a house or flat share; a room in a private house; and a private flat. All have their merits, so think about what you want from your accommodation.

Living in a house is a much more intimate experience than halls. Two words: shared bathroom. There are benefits though, and with the right housemates, you’ll have a blast - so make sure you and your housemates are compatible. Start simple: do they like things clean? Disagreements over cleaning can get ugly – and tensions will boil over faster than an ignored

pantry packed with prestige properties

The most popular options are halls of

pan of pasta. Consider other factors

and landlords, and this guide, filled

residence (either uni-owned or private),

too: are you all party animals, or early

with tips to help you find the right

and house/flat shares. Halls are a great

birds? Will a vegan housemate get

accommodation and the best places to

way of adjusting to living away from

upset if you cook meat in their pans?

live, should put a potato smile back on

home and meeting new people; while

They may seem silly questions, but it’s

your face.

sharing a house or flat is great for

the little things…

WHEN TO LOOK

those who want to live with friends.

Visit www.accommodationforstudents.

House hunting is competitive, and

com for the largest selection of

while the early bird catches the worm,

properties throughout the country.

good things come to those who wait.

Finding a balance is important. Allmale and all-female houses can create problems, according to Accommodation for Students (AFS) research. A mixed

There are other options though. A

household may be the best balance,

room in a landlord’s home is hardly the

but this is down to personal preference

quintessential student experience, but

- everybody should feel comfortable

is an option if you leave things late.

where they live. You should also think

Finally, a private flat is good for more

There’s often pressure to secure

about budgets; if your mate Tarquin

reserved students. Living on your own

a house by Christmas, but good

has a wallet exploding with fifties, and

can be costly, and isn’t for everyone;

properties are available in most cities

you have to count your pennies for a

Jeremy Kyle is far less funny on your

until the end of May. Don’t be rushed

pint, then problems could ensue. Make

own!

sure the housemate with the lowest

CHOOSING YOUR HOUSEMATES

budget can afford the property too.

Picking the right people to live with

Finally, if you’ve found the right

seems obvious, but it’s easy to get it

place but have an extra bedroom,

wrong. Often, students will commit to

you can pay the deposit and

living with people they’ve known for

advertise the spare room on

only a few months – will you still enjoy

www.accommodationforstudents.com.

kicking about with them once their

AFS has a section for this; students

drunk anecdotes have worn thin?

looking for somewhere to live can

Clichés aside, it’s worth starting as early as November; you’ll encounter some naff properties, so don’t settle for the first thing you see.

into making decisions.

request a room.

16

FIND THE RIGHT ACCOMMODATION

THE BUDGET Money is central to choosing a place, and there are numerous costs to consider. Rent is your main expense, and rates vary throughout the country.

A survey conducted by AFS shows the average student rental rates are £79.27 per week in 2013/4.

While halls include utility bills (gas, electricity and water) in the price, most house shares don’t; www.glide.uk.com is helpful as it allows tenants to pay individually, so don’t worry if one

housemate doesn’t pay up. While

(www.tvlicensing.co.uk/check-if-you-

full-time students are exempt

need-one/topics/tv-licence-types-

from paying Council Tax (visit your

and-costs-top2/), but the cost is

uni’s Accommodation Office for an

less daunting when divided between

exemption certificate), part-time

housemates.

students do have to pay, so bear this

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE LANDLORD

in mind.

Even if you’ve found a property that

Unfortunately, students can be an easy target for burglars, so contents insurance is worth considering. There are various options, including Endsleigh (www.endsleigh.co.uk), who have student-specific plans. Finally, you’ll need a TV license to watch TV or stream live programming.

This costs £145.50 per year

looks great, there are other factors to consider in the future. Be prepared and make sure to ask a few questions to a prospective landlord.

How long has the property been on the market? If the place has been listed for a while, there could be underlying issues. However, you may be able to negotiate the rent if the property is struggling to move.

How much is the deposit, and what’s the length of contract? Generally, the deposit is one month’s rent plus £200, and the contract is usually 12 months, with half rent over the summer. In non-student areas, it may be easier to negotiate shorter terms.

Is there a break clause in the tenancy agreement? This allows either party to give two months’ notice to end the tenancy after six months.

Is the property accredited? The AFS/ Unipol code is a national accreditation scheme for landlords, and has a number of standards that must be achieved in order to gain accreditation.

These are assessed through a robust property inspection, so it is well worth asking.

17

TENANCY AGREEMENT OVERVIEW

DEPOSITS

Budget sorted? Check. Property found?

There are two types of deposits:

Check. Pestered the landlord? Check.

a holding deposit, which reserves

We’re nearly there - just need to sign

the property and is normally non-

the contract! As with any document

refundable; and a dilapidation

that requires a daubed name at the

deposit, which is held by the landlord

bottom, it’s important to know what

throughout the tenancy. This money

you’re signing.

will be used at the end of the tenancy

The contract, known more formally as an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST)

for maintenance, repairs and cleaning.

So scrub your oven, alright?

Agreement, generally lasts 6 months

The Tenancy Deposit Scheme protects

to 3 years; however, a 12-month

deposits, meaning the landlord must

agreement is common, as landlords

return the deposit, or pass it to an

want to fill their properties over the

authorised scheme to register a

summer.

dispute. These schemes provide a free

You can renew your tenancy at any point for the following year, and landlords are likely to ask a few months before the end of your contract. Rolling month-to-month contracts exist, but for students a

dispute resolution service, but if the landlord or tenant(s) don’t agree, the dispute will go to court. Landlords must tell their tenants within 30 days of moving in with which scheme the deposit has been registered.

renewal is likely to be for another

Finding the right accommodation is

12 months. Remember, a landlord is

important, so remember to start as

obliged to provide two months’ notice

early as you can, stay calm and most

if they want to terminate an AST. This

of all, enjoy!

can be done at any time, but cannot be dated to expire before the end of the fixed term. It’s a good idea to get your agreement checked before you sign it; often, your University Housing Office will do this for you.

18

AFS TOP TEN TIPS

19

AFS TOP TEN TIPS TIMING

DO YOUR RESEARCH

YOU NEED AN INVENTORY

Plan as early as you can but do not

Make sure you don’t overpay. Your

This is a record of the contents of the

panic. If you are very confident about

accommodation is likely to be your

property and its condition. They are

who you want to live with then

biggest expense, so this is going to be

designed to help monitor the condition

there is no harm in committing early.

really important. The average weekly

of the property/items before you move

However, if you are not sure or can’t

rent for a room in a student house is

in and just before you move out, so

find what you want, there are plenty

£79. However, this can be as much as

it can be made clear what damages,

of properties available on AFS right

£136 in London or as little as £50 in

if any, need to be paid for from the

through the summer.

Stockton. Check out the average rents

deposit. If you don’t get one, we

on www.accommodationforstudents.

suggest making your own, including

com and you will know exactly where

pictures and sending it to your

you stand.

landlord.

ACCREDITATION

YOUR DEPOSIT

compatible, it will make for a much

Keep an eye out for properties

Your landlord must protect your deposit

more harmonious living experience.

accredited under the AFS/Unipol code.

under the terms of the tenancy deposit

These properties and their landlords/

scheme. Furthermore they must tell

agents have been through a rigorous

you which scheme they are using

Maximise your chance of finding

assessment programme, so you can

within 30 days of moving in. You can

the right place for you and your

be confident about the quality of the

then find out about how any disputes

housemates by looking at a wide

property and the way it is maintained.

will be dealt with.

COMMUNICATE

THINK ABOUT MOVING OUT

arrange appointments with landlords

Good communication is key. It will

Giving moving out almost as much

and agents.

help ensure that you maintain a good

thought about moving in will pay

relationship with your landlord and

dividends. Making sure you leave the

also with your new housemates. It’s

place in the condition you found it

If possible get feedback from existing

perfectly normal for there to be a few

will ensure you get your deposit back

tenants during a viewing. Remember

challenges along the way, but good

and leave on good terms with your

that the way the property is managed

communication can help overcome

landlord.

is as important as its appearance.

these.

HOUSEMATES Don’t rush into deciding who to live with in your second year. Take your time and make sure you are

VIEWINGS

range of properties. There are literally thousands on AFS and you can easily

TALK TO THE TENANTS

Feedback from those who have been living there will give you a good idea about this.

20

ABERDEEN CIT Y GUIDE

N E E D R E B A E D I U G Y T I C

“ THIS IS A TOWN TAILORED TO ACCOMMODATE STUDENT LIFE TO ITS FULLEST.”

21

CITY CENTRE motif, Underground is definitely worth

PLACES TO EAT

attending.

Home to a thriving hub of fine

the town is dotted with a multitude of independent cafes, The Hub food

dining, foreign delicacies and

The Garage is another site

fast food, Aberdeen offers

worthy

of

interest,

located

court is situated directly on-campus.

It is here that you will find all your reasonably-priced Subway sandwiches,

a broad selection of choices to satisfy

just off of the High Street. It functions

many a peckish customer. Whatever

both as a daytime eatery and as a

flavours you are craving, the men and

commendable

women of the city’s service industry

functions and campus societies. It is

are always happy to quell your rumbling

the perfect option for a quiet night

Fancy somewhere quieter? No problem.

stomach. In fact, it’s not uncommon to

out. There’s even Exodus, a club that

Old Aberdeen is host to an array of

see particular cafes or takeaways open

sits cosily between the two extremes.

smaller

into the early hours of the morning.

Widely known for its themed costume

towards the palates of its student

events, lively atmosphere, cheap drinks

population. Cafes can be found all over

and decent music, Exodus is certainly

the place; in the Butchart Centre, on

worth the trip.

the ground floor of the Library - there’s

The focal point of all mainstream commerce

in

Aberdeen

is

Union

Street; a long stretch of road often nicknamed the ‘Granite Mile’ by locals for the sterling aesthetic look of the architecture. It is here that you will fulfil all your mainstream McDonalds, KFC and Starbucks needs. There’s even a few stand-alone high-street choices; such as, the Jamie Oliver restaurant, The Filling Station, Amarone, and the hugely-underrated La Tasca.

nightspot

for

various

your afternoon pizza slices, and even have the chance to indulge in a scoop of Baskin Robbins.

eateries

aimed

exclusively

even one just inside the MacRobert

ACCOMMODATION

Building, so you can grab a snack right

In truth, there are easier things to do in life than finding a place to live in central Aberdeen. The market is highly

after a lecture.

NIGHTS OUT

competitive and offers a broad range of

While

facilities. In the city centre, the average

goes to great lengths to function as

the

University

of

Aberdeen

cost of rental accommodation is £117

an independent community, it cannot

per week. Thankfully, many of the local

feasibly cover perfectly all the bases. All

campuses are surrounded by student

the nearest clubs are, at best, a half-

But if you truthfully believe this is all

halls and independent residences, with

hour walk from campus, which makes

Aberdeen has to offer, you are sorely

prices ranging between £50 and £90

for quite a commute. But the University

mistaken. Sprouting right off Union

per week in some areas.

of Aberdeen does fund an old-timey

Street is Union Square, a shopping centre that plays host to a wide and thriving

community

of

restaurants;

school bus to circuit the city, ferrying students to the various discos and bars

OLD ABERDEEN

until the early hours.

including Frankie and Bennies, Chiquito,

However, the campus does have one

TGI Fridays, Pizza Hut, Carluccio’s and

Not even a five-minute bus

even Giraffe, a restaurant that has

journey from the bus depot

proven itself to be sensationally popular amongst the student community.

stands

the

University

of

Aberdeen’s campus; a unique cultural

NIGHTS OUT

blend of the city’s humble, cobblestone

attraction of its own, the name of which is known by all students, new or old: The Bobbin. It’s great for a night out with friends, offering cheap drinks, pool tables and music by request. A trip to The Bobbin is undeniably considered a

of

origins mixed with the glimmering glass

Aberdeen’s night-time points of interest

of the modern age. This is a town

rite of passage.

are situated along Union Street, with

tailored to accommodate student life

ACCOMMODATION

only a few exceptions.

in its fullest capacity, with its recently-

The

overwhelming

majority

Perhaps the most renowned example of student nightlife in Aberdeen is the Underground Club; an eccentric little

opened

seven-floored

University

Library and picturesque granite chapels illuminating the skyline at night.

Populated by students, the Old Aberdeen area is synonymous with reasonablypriced accommodation directed towards its young adult demographic. In addition

subterranean outlet that sends you

PLACES TO EAT

to the University halls, just two minutes

immediately downstairs into a roaring

With any large concentration of young

from the central campus, there are a

pit of strobe lights, smoke machines and merriment. Loud, packed and tremendously faithful to its subway

adults in one place, it stands to reason that there should be enough facilities to sustain a variety of tastes. While

number of cheaper flats on the market, some averaging a minimum of £55 per week.

WHERE IT’S AT...

CITY CENTRE GARTHDEE

UNION SQUARE SHOPPING CENTRE

In contrast to the hectic flow of life in the city centre, the student community

Guild Street, AB11 5RG

of Garthdee enjoys a more serene way of life. With their campus situated on the banks of the River Dee, the students of Robert Gordon University

DR NOODLES 345 Union Street, AB11 6BS

are able to appreciate the quieter side of Aberdonian culture whilst remaining a reasonable distance from the city itself.

NIGHTS OUT Much

the

same

as

LA TASCA 367 Union Street, AB11 6BT

the

Aberdeen University campus, Garthdee does not offer many activities of its own at night and is a fair

TRINITY CENTRE Union Street, AB11 6BE

distance from the city centre. However, the Woolmanhill Halls are only a short distance from Belmont Street, which

OLD ABERDEEN

brings some evening entertainment into the equation. The Revolution Bar has proven popular in this regard over recent years, serving a range of affordable food

THE OLD FIRE STATION 256 King Street AB24 5BU

and cocktails.

Unfortunately, many locals claim that the only real attractions in the area reside along Union Street. But the campus is

THE BOBBIN 500 King Street, AB24 5ST

connected with multiple transport links, including a late-night taxi service and a First bus route, which offer modest fares and have been known to circuit the city after midnight.

JOHNSTON HALL College Bounds, AB24 3TT

THE HUB Elphinstone Road, AB24 3TU

DOMINO’S PIZZA 500 King Street, AB24 5ST

GARTHDEE REVOLUTION BAR 25 Belmont Street AB10 1JS

WOOLMANHILL FLATS 134 John Street AB25 1LE

ROSEMOUNT HALLS 1-68 Farmers Hall Lane AB25 1XF

ASDA Bridge of Dee AB10 7QA

ABERDEEN SNOWSPORTS CENTRE Garthdee Road AB10 7BA

23

M A H G N I M BIR E D I U G Y T I C

“ THERE IS A WIDE RANGE OF THINGS TO DO, MEANING THERE IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE”

24

BIRMINGHAM CIT Y GUIDE

CITY CENTRE Birmingham is the second largest student

can be found on the Water’s Edge and

on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.

city in the UK, with five universities and

offers a diverse café and bar scene

ou can also get discounts using your

more than 65,000 students who call it

featuring

stylish

NUS card at a variety of other chain

home. There is a wide range of things

terraces, canalside views and regular

restaurants, including ASK Italian and

to do, meaning there is something for

free live entertainment. Revolution is

Zizzi’s.

everyone.

situated on Broad Street and also offers

NIGHTS OUT The city centre of Birmingham offers a variety of student events during the week. The best places to go are Broad Street, Digbeth and Acradian in China Town. Events for students happen every weeknight,

elegant

interiors,

2-for-1 cocktails. It turns into more of a nightclub in the evening and has a great atmosphere that allows you to dance all night long. I would definitely recommend getting their privilege card that lets you access a range of discounts

range of clubs and bars are on offer.

night out, I would recommend getting

Broad Street has a range of clubs that

a taxi. There are a number of taxi

host regular student nights and events.

companies serving the Birmingham area

These include Gatecrasher, Players and

and they usually cost between £1.50

Walkabout, to name a few. My favourite

and £2 each per journey.

place to go on a Tuesday is Indi Bar at

PLACES TO EAT

vibrant and offers drinks at a reasonable price (a double spirit and mixer is only £2!). Another firm favourite of mine is Rainbow in Digbeth. This venue has a variety of rooms playing different types of music to suit a range of people. They regularly host a variety of DJs for special nights.

restaurants for you to choose from, including British, Oriental, French and Italian cuisines.

SHOPPING If you love shopping, you have

In terms of getting around safely on a

soulful R&B. The atmosphere is really

have a variety of chain and independent

and costs only £4 for a year!

where cheap drinks and entry to a

Arcadian, which plays funky house and

Both The Mailbox and Brindley Place

The

Bullring

to go to the Bullring, which has more than 160 shops, including Selfridges, Zara and, of course, Topshop. Most shops offer student discounts and regularly increase these to encourage students to purchase.

Another good place to shop is the

has

a

large

amount of cafes, eateries and restaurants from which to choose. If you just want a snack or a full meal, there is something for everyone.

I would absolutely go to Five Guys if

Custard Factory, which specialises in independent vintage shops that sell clothing, furniture and vinyl. It is known as Birmingham’s creative quarter and is definitely worth a visit.

ACCOMMODATION

you love a good burger. The burgers are

Most student accommodation

amazing and you are able to choose as

in

many toppings and sauces you want.

Birmingham is based on rooms

the

city

centre

of

There is also a wide range of drinks in

grouped into shared flats. These are

If you a looking for somewhere with a

the soda machine, including Raspberry

either university-operated or privately

more relaxed atmosphere and want to

Coke and Orange Coke! Just be warned,

owned by companies such as Unite

enjoy a cocktail or two with friends, I

the prices are quite expensive, so

Students. Average weekly rents for a

would definitely recommend both the

maybe go there for a treat every now

42-week contract are around £120 a

Slug and Lettuce and Revolution. The

and again.

week.

Slug and Lettuce offers 2-for-1 cocktails every day and is situated at Brindley Place, which is one of Birmingham’s most stylish hotspots. Brindley Place

Another good place to eat is Pizza Express. Take advantage of having an NUS card as they give you 40% off your bill on Monday and Tuesday, and 20%

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26

BIRMINGHAM CIT Y GUIDE

SELLY OAK Selly Oak is around 30 minutes from the city centre of Birmingham with frequent bus services and regular trains into the city. It also has one of the most concentrated student populations in the country, housing more than 30,000 students.

PERRY BARR with friends and letting your hair down.

Another pub to go to is The Bristol Pear; the best nights to go are Tuesdays and Thursdays. ‘Quids in’ is the event on a Tuesday and offers a range of drinks a lot cheaper than normal from 7pm.

This includes a vodka and mixer for only

PLACES TO EAT

£1.50. Thursday offers two cocktails for

Perry Barr is not far from the city centre of Birmingham and can be reached by train in around 12 minutes. A return ticket costs £2.90 from Birmingham New Street and there are also frequent bus services. Perry Barr also has a large student population, with those from a number of Universities living there.

If you want something sweet,

only £6, enabling you to have both a

PLACES TO EAT

Cheeky Joe’s is the place to

sophisticated and cheap night out with

Talking

go. It is an American-inspired

friends.

in

diner and Italian gelato-come-coffee

Urban Village Bar is a major bar in Selly

milkshakes and many other

shop. They serve a variety of sweet

Oak catering to students. They have a

favourite desserts and is perfect for

treats including milkshakes, waffles and

variety of events every night. ‘Pounded’

dessert lovers. A delivery service is also

traditional American sundaes. This place

is every Monday and Tuesday night and

available, making it a delicious but easy

has a vibrant atmosphere with a 50s’

offers a range of premium drinks at

treat to share with your housemates.

style interior and you can even choose

discounted prices. It is also the perfect

the classic 50s’ music using the ‘Dime

NIGHTS OUT

place to have a laugh with your friends

Selector’.

at the Quiz Night, held every Tuesday at

Selly Sausage is also a good place to

10pm with a grand prize of £100!

go. It is a European-style café bar

SHOPPING

that serves a variety of food, including burgers, jackets and pancakes. This is the perfect place for students as it serves good quality food at low prices.

You can get a burger with fries and salad for only £3.75! It also been named one of Britain’s top ten student eateries, which is more reason to go and try it.

NIGHTS OUT There are a number of pubs and bars in Selly Oak, which are perfect for students. The Soak is a student hangout close to the University of Birmingham’s main entrance. They serve pub grub during

fresh

Waffles

specialises

waffles,

crepes,

The Hare and the Dog pub is a good place for students to go and offers a variety of deals.

This is the same chain as the Bristol Pear

Battery Retail Park is a small

in Selly Oak. ‘Quids in’ is on a Friday

shopping

in

night here, allowing you to get drinks

Selly Oak. If you need DIY,

at a cheaper price from 7pm. There is

homeware or clothes from Next, you

a beer garden, pool tables and sports

should definitely go.

shown regularly on the big screen.

ACCOMMODATION

If you are looking for a more unusual

area

situated

Living in Selly Oak is much cheaper than living in the city centre. Sharing a 2 to 4 bedroom house can cost an average of £70 per week. Selly Oak is a good place for students to live with a variety of pubs and eateries catering to students, and a satisfaction rate of 66%.

night out, I would recommend going to the Greyhound Stadium situated in Perry Barr. There are a variety of offers and packages, including The Balti Dining Package for £12.50 per person (minimum of 4). This includes your admission, race card, a 2 course Balti Meal and a reserved table for the evening. This is the perfect evening out

the day and then it comes alive at night.

for something slightly different, rather

They have ‘Karao-Jokie’ on Sunday

than just going out drinking.

nights, which is ideal for having a laugh

Birmingham

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28

BIRMINGHAM CIT Y GUIDE

WHERE IT’S AT...

SELLY OAK SHOPPING The One Stop Shopping Centre has a variety of chain shops, including New Look, Dorothy Perkins and beauty stores such as Boots and Superdrug. There is also an Asda Superstore and Home Bargains where

GATECRASHER

B&M

182 Broad St, Birmingham, B15 1DA

153 High St, Birmingham, B23 6TB

PLAYERS

CUSTARD FACTORY

240 Broad St, Birmingham, B1 2HG

Gibb Street, Birmingham, B9 4AA

WALKABOUT

CHEEKY JOE’S

266A-271 Broad St, Birmingham, B1 2DS

616 Bristol Road, Selly Oak, B29 6BQ

INDI BAR

SELLY SAUSAGE

The Arcadian Centre, Hurst Street, Birmingham, B5 4TD

539-541 Bristol Road , Selly Oak, B29 6AU

you can do your food shopping.

RAINBOW

ACCOMMODATION There is a variety of student houses in Perry Barr, ranging from

one-bed

houses

to

sharing with five other people. The average weekly cost of living here is around £61, with a student satisfaction rate of 52%.

160 Digbeth High Street, Digbeth, Birmingham, B12 0LD

THE SOAK 563-569 Bristol Road, Selly Oak, B29 6AF

THE BRISTOL PEAR

SLUG AND LETTUCE

676 Bristol Road, Selly Oak, B29 6BJ

Brindley Place, The Water’s Edge, Birmingham, B1 2HL

URBAN VILLAGE BAR

REVOLUTION Five Ways, Broad Street, Birmingham, B15 1AY

PIZZA EXPRESS The Waters Edge, Brindley Place, Birmingham, B1 2HL or Level 7 & 9 Bullring, Birmingham, B5 4BU

ZIZZI The Mailbox, 162-164 Wharfside St, Birmingham, B1 1RL

ASK ITALIAN 56 New St, Birmingham, B2 4DU

DOMINOS 110 Constitution Hill, Birmingham City Centre, B19 3JS Tel: 0121 233 3000

580 Bristol Road, Selly Oak, B29 6BE

ONE STOP SHOPPING CENTRE 2 Walsall Rd, Perry Barr, B42 1AA

TALKING WAFFLES 371 Birchfield Road, Perry Barr, B20 3BJ 0121 356 1007

THE HARE AND THE DOG 76 Franchise St, Perry Barr, B42 2ST

GREYHOUND STADIUM Aldridge Road, Perry Barr, B42 2ET

BATTERY RETAIL PARK Chapel Lane, Selly Oak B29 6SJ

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30

BRISTOL CIT Y GUIDE

L O T BRIS E D I U G Y T I C CITY CENTRE

CLIFTON

Bristol is the south-west’s premier city. It

NIGHTS OUT

fosters a distinct Bristolian identity. It is

Park

central

Dine in The White Lion on the

compact whilst seeming expansive and

setting of Bristol’s lively social

fringe of Clifton. Its terrace

PLACES TO EAT Street

is

the

it is Bohemian whilst being accessible.

scene. Its venues range from

overlooking the picturesque

Bristol was recently named the UK’s

Agora and the cocktail bars to the

suspension bridge and gorge is an ideal

best city to live in, as its virtues include

sophisticated Goldbrick House. It fuses

setting for an occasion. Deco Lounge

low unemployment, a vibrant culture

economy with taste. Your night could

on Cotham Hill is a homely, stylistic

and

a

buoyant

night-life.

Hot

air

progress to the nearby O2 Academy,

café that serves vegan and gluten-free

balloons, graffiti, cider and Jack, the

which

meals. Brown’s and Bill’s on the triangle

poetic Big Issue seller habitually seen

nights along with performances by

on Park Street, are some of the many

popular artists. Harbourside represents

themes that will form your experience’s

an additional dimension. Thekla is a

subplot. You will discover new places

boat transformed into a club and this

throughout, but remember that your

combination of the obsolete with the

beginning will set the tone of your

contemporary

entire stay. Definitely explore beyond

Bristol’s character. Other notable venues

the places referred to below.

are Syndicate, a generic and popular

PLACES TO EAT

student club; Mr Wolfs, which has great

Visit White Harte on Park Row. It is the quintessential student pub experience, with its various offers and range of simplistic food. St Nicholas Market in the city’s

frequently

organises

somewhat

student

symbolises

jazz, funk and extended opening hours; and The Old Duke, a traditional pub that

should also be dined in.

NIGHTS OUT The triangle beyond Park Street has popular student clubs, such as Bunker and Lizard Lounge.

They regularly have student nights and frequently attract Bristol’s finest students. Highbury Vaults is an intimate pub with an excellent beer garden.

ACCOMMODATION

attracts a mix of generations and has

Clifton’s average weekly rate

wonderful live music.

is £93. Its satisfaction rate is

ACCOMMODATION

86%. Clifton is an affluent

beautiful old sector offers an eclectic

To live thriftily in Bristol may

range of hot food stalls; serving paella,

be wishful thinking, relative

for example.

to average national rent. But with average weekly rents of £88, it is not the most expensive either. The city centre has a high average weekly rent of £100, but it offers good transport links and an excellent range of shops, inducing prosperous satisfaction of 70%.

and trendy area, which is compatible with student living and ideally located for Bristol students.

31

STOKES CROFT & LOWER GLOUCESTER ROAD

BISHOPSTON & HORFIELD PLACES TO EAT

PLACES TO EAT

Bishopston Fish Bar is ranked

Tinto Lounge on Gloucester

as one of the UK’s top 50 fish

Road may not offer frugality

and chip shops, which surely

but it is highly recommended

means it must be sampled. Upper

and creates a personal environment. The

Gloucester Road has many restaurants

Runcible Spoon in Stokes Croft is a good

and among the best is Delmonico,

option that embodies the artistic nature

which offers a 10% student discount.

of the area, with all food being organic and

Its excellent menu is matched by subtly

locally sourced. Gloucester Road has no

raised prices that are in proportion to

shortage of good cafes and pubs.

the quality.

NIGHTS OUT

NIGHTS OUT

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A BRISTOL STUDENT After lectures have been attended punctually,

a

perfect

day

would

encompass meeting a few of your closest co-conspirators. Food will be important, so after breakfast at home, lunch will be sought in Deco Lounge. After a trip to Cabot Circus to gain inspiration for the night’s proceedings, the gym and

You will at some point enter Canteen

Straying from the nightclub

a brief return home, you would go to

on Stokes Croft during your

locale, these areas will more

White Harte for a tasty but inexpensive

Bristolian journey and you will

likely lead you to a pub. The

dinner, perhaps to meet friends from

not be disappointed. Music is a

Golden Lion is one such commendable

your favourite society. A decision would

central component of the Bristol social

pub, with live music 6 days a week and

be made regarding your fate for the

sphere. It offers live music every night

talented musicians regularly performing.

evening. You would conclude the day

and the food is enriching. The Love Inn

The Gallimaufry on Gloucester Road is

by bumping into every fellow student

is also great, as it absorbs Stokes Croft’s

also terrific.

you know on Bunker’s dance floor. You

alternative vibe and offers live music and a dancing space.

would then be asleep in time to wake

ACCOMMODATION These

areas

up the following day for your riveting are

further

ACCOMMODATION

from the hub of the city but

Average weekly rent in the areas of

accommodation

may

suit

Cotham and Montpelier is

UWE students based in the northern

around £90 and satisfaction

suburbs. Average weekly rent is £75 and

is

are

satisfaction is 60%. Cycling is popular in

extremely popular amongst students, so

the city, allowing the centre to remain

demand will be high. However, the further

easily accessible.

64%.

These

areas

up Gloucester Road one ventures, average weekly rent can be as little as £74.

lectures.

32

BRISTOL CIT Y GUIDE

WHERE IT’S AT...

CITY CENTRE

THEKLA

HIGHBURY VAULTS

TINTO LOUNGE

AGORA

The Grove, East Mud Dock, BS1 4RB

164 St Michael’s Hill, BS2 8DE

344-346 Gloucester Rd, BS7 8TP

LIZARD LOUNGE

BISHOPSTON & HORFIELD

55 Park St, Avon, BS1 5NT

THE OLD DUKE

CABOT CIRCUS Glass House, BS1 3BX

GOLDBRICK HOUSE 69 Park St, Avon, BS1 5PB

45 King St, BS1 4ER

66 Queens Rd, Bristol, BS8 1QU

WHITE HARTE

THE WHITE LION

54-58 Park Row, BS1 5LH

Sion Hill, BS8 4LD

CLIFTON

MR WOLFS

BILL’S

33 St Stephen’s St, Avon, BS1 1JX

69 Queens Rd, BS8 1QL

O2 ACADEMY

BROWN’S

1-2 Frogmore St, BS1 5NA

38 Queen’s Road, Bristol, BS8 1RE

ST NICHOLAS MARKET

BUNKER

The Exchange, Corn St, BS1 1JQ

SYNDICATE 15 Nelson St, BS1 2JY

264 Gloucester Road, Horfield, BS7 8PB

STOKES CROFT & LOWER GLOUCESTER ROAD

DELMONICO

CANTEEN HAMILTON HOUSE

THE GALLIMAUFRY

80 Stokes Croft, BS1 3QY

THE LOVE INN 84 Stokes Croft, BS1 3QY

Maggs House, 78 Queens Rd, BS8 1QU

THE RUNCIBLE SPOON

DECO LOUNGE

3 Nine Tree Hill, Stokes Croft, BS1 3SB

50 Cotham Hill, BS6 6JZ

BISHOPSTON FISH BAR

217 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, BS7 8NN

26-28 The Promenade, Gloucester Road, Bishopston, BS7 8AL

THE GOLDEN LION 244 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, BS7 8NZ

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34

BRIGHTON CIT Y GUIDE

N O T H G I R B E D I U G Y T I C

“ IF THERE’S ANYWHERE THAT KNOWS PUB FOOD IT’S BRIGHTON.”

35

CITY CENTRE NIGHT LIFE

However, boasting some really great

Boasting a tremendous foodie

Notorious for its vibrant nightlife, living

neighborhoods and personalities, it can

community,

has

in Brighton will provide you with a host

be one of the best.

PLACES TO EAT Brighton

something to offer everyone.

of things to do. Fully equipped with

The campus on which you are studying

Cafés galore, delis, markets and fairs,

the student standards, such as Oceana,

may play a huge bearing in where in

restaurants, pubs, great independent

Vodka Revs etc. that offer great

the city you want to live. However,

take outs… there are lots to find!

student deals, however, as one

as a relatively small city, and with

of the most eclectic cultural

great

hubs of the UK, Brighton also

with the universities, it’s really easy

offers a host of more alternative venues,

to live anywhere and not suffer too

suiting a variety of tastes.

dramatically with commuting. Buses run

Brighton and Hove pub, you will receive a

Alongside clubs and bars, you’ll find

incredibly frequently and are generally

standard of grub well above the national

some really exciting live music all

reliable and easy to navigate.

average. However, particular highlights

over the city. The Green Door Store,

If you want to be in walking distance of

of mine include The Hop Poles and The

situated close to the station, always

the city centre, but in a slightly quieter

Saint George’s Inn (for veggie and vegan

has something good, hosting some

area with a residential feel, Hanover

specials). Discovering the best places is

great student events with amazing

(north of Queen’s Park), Kemptown

an enjoyable quest – and will keep you

warehouse-style vibes.

(along St James’ Street towards the

Be sure to check out the gay scene,

marina) or even out in Hove offer a really

Last week before your loan comes in? It

too! You’ll find bars with glamorous

nice laidback and safe environment.

doesn’t mean you can’t go out to dine.

drag queens around St James’ Street,

Some areas have a really great sense

Popular places for budget dining that

while Club Revenge is a big club over

of community; I have great memories

does not skimp on quality are Pompoko

multiple floors, with some great events

of street parties and community fetes

and Planet India, which offer great quirky

and DJs. They won’t fail to make for

in Hanover!

atmospheres. And, of course, don’t miss

a memorable night with some colorful

My biggest tip for finding accommodation

Foodilic – located on the high street,

characters.

in Brighton would definitely be not to

ACCOMMODATION

hang about! With two Universities and

If there is anywhere that knows how to do pub food to the highest standards, its Brighton. I may even go out on a limb here and say that if you go into ANY

occupied well into your final year of Uni!

with a new branch recently opened on Western Road. This is a healthy (albeit

With prices averaging £85-95

delicious) all-you-can-eat buffet that

per week in a house share,

will leave you full for the rest of the day.

Brighton is definitely not the cheapest place to live.

transport

links

–

especially

multiple language schools, Brighton has a huge student population in comparison with its size, so rooms are snapped up fast! Be proactive and prepared to widen your criteria if necessary.

WHERE IT’S AT...

CITY CENTRE SAINT GEORGE’S INN 33 Upper Sudeley St, BN2 1HE

THE HOP POLES

FOODILIC

POMPOKO

13 Middle Street, BN1 1AL

60 North Street, BN1 1RH

110 Church St, BN1 1UD

GREEN DOOR STORE Trafalgar Arches, Lower Goods Yard, BN1 4FQ

CLUB REVENGE 32-34 Old Steine, BN1 1EL

36

CORK CIT Y GUIDE

CORK IDE U G Y CIT

CITY CENTRE Cork is a city full of many student-

in UCC is the cheapest option, with

off Patrick Street. Here, fresh pizza and

friendly establishments with a wide

dinners available from €4.20; however,

pasta is served at attractive prices, with

range of prices. Luckily for the college,

the portions aren’t as big and when

loyalty schemes and student discounts

it is just over a mile into the city centre,

you’re a student, it’s all about getting

available.

which is little more than a 20 minute

as much value as you can. Many mature

stroll. Alternatively, one can take the

students or parents treating their sons

205 or 208 buses into the city.

and daughters will go to the Fresco

PLACES TO EAT For lunch, the normal UCC student appears to like food that is quick, tasty and easy

restaurant located in the award-winning Glucksman Gallery on campus. Here, lovely salads and pasta dishes can be purchased from €10.

For those of you interested in cooking your own food, the English market located on Grand Parade is home to a huge amount of fresh produce. The market even proved a hit with the Queen when she visited the rebel city in 2012. The next area for food in Cork

to eat for a cheap price outside of the

Dinner time in Cork, when one isn’t

is the takeaway market; something

corner shop’s deli counter. In UCC,

relying on beans on toast, can involve

to which all Cork students will relate.

the new bar is very popular, with their

going to Captain America’s on South

First, any student in Cork will be asked

chicken curry and chips for €5 going

Main Street, which has a 2-for-1 offer

this question: which chippie is better,

down a treat with students both young

on a huge range of burgers and tasty

KC’s or Lennox’s? Personally, Lennox’s

and old. There is a huge variety of

American-style grub. This is very popular

is the better option for chips, but it

main courses served in the new bar at

with all the students. Another favourite

is a question that has caused many a

a very good price. The main restaurant

among students is Scoozi’s, located just

debate. Jackie Lennox’s is located on

37

Bandon Road, about a ten-minute walk

The clubs are very good and cater to all

from main campus; while KC’s is a

tastes. Havana Brown’s is the big spot

UCC has a huge mix of

ten-minute drive away in Douglas, and

for Tuesday nights, with some very good

accommodation for students

specialises in pita breads and burgers.

DJs. Its links to the SU allows students

preferring to stay in College-

Try the Creole if you’re out there. Lastly,

to enter competitions for prizes. The

managed accommodation, while those

Hillbilly’s deserves a mention for being

ACCOMMODATION

who wish to stay in a house also have

the place of many a late night snack box

Bowery is the spot for the over 20s’

a huge choice to pick from. .The main

after a night out on the tiles.

market and is a relatively new club on

student complexes charge the following

the student scene catering to the older

rates per week, including bills, and all

market.

are located within easy walking distance

Thursday,

Wednesday night at the Rock is a

of the main campus. Brookfield is €96;

where one will see the majority

traditional music night, which is very

Farranlea Hall is €105; Victoria Mills is

popular with all students.On Thursdays,

€125; and Spires is €115. Houses range

the Bodega Bangs nightclub has links

from €90 per week without bills, to

with the SU so, again, many prizes are

€98 with bills included.

NIGHTS OUT In Cork, the main student nights are

Tuesday

and

of the student population.

First, there are two bars on campus that are a hive of activity in the evenings, with live gigs and quizzes a popular feature of their calendar of events. The past year has seen live performances from Walking on Cars and Hermitage Green, and the current Entertainment Officer has huge plans for the coming year.

on offer. They regularly hold themed nights that cater to the student market.

The Savoy nightclub is the largest venue in the city, with a capacity of more than 1,000, and is very popular on Thursday nights. The best place without an entrance fee is Holy Cow. Other pubs worth a mention are B.D.S.M., which is popular with rock and metal fans.

WHERE IT’S AT...

SCOOZI RESTAURANT

KC’S AND SONS

2 Winthrop Avenue

Main Street, Douglas

CAPTAIN AMERICA’S 4/5 South Main Street

FRESCO EATERIE AND BISTRO Lewis Glucksman Gallery, University College Cork

JACKIE LENNOX’S 137 Bandon Road, Havana Brown’s Hannover Street

THE OLD COLLEGE BAR University College Cork

THE NEW BAR Aras Na MacLeinn, University College Cork

BOWERY

B.D.S.M

21 Tuckey Street

53 North Main Street,

SAVOY NIGHTCLUB 108 Patrick Street

UCC ACCOMMODATIONS OFFICE

THE ROCK BAR

College Road,

College Road

THE HOLY COW BODEGA BANGS Cornmarket Street

14/15 Hannover Street

38

TOP TEN PAYING DEGREES

TOP TEN PAYING DEGREES Regardless of what degree you intend to

4. MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES

8. BUSINESS AND ADMINISTRATION

Are you a serious number cruncher?

Studying business offers you a huge

Can you calculate complicated sums in

amount of paths, and most of them

your head whilst your friends look at

will slide you into a pot of gold. From

you in awe? If so, employers really want

Accountants to Marketing Managers,

to reward you! Be it teaching or working

there is no shortage of money in

out statistics for Government projects,

business. If you’re really keen on

even you will be struggle to calculate

working up the ladder, becoming a Chief

1. MEDICINE AND DENTISTRY

the nice fortune you’ll be earning.

Executive of a business can earn you

It is not surprising being one of the

5. COMPUTER SCIENCE

graduate with, everybody is capable of earning a high wage if they work hard enough. However, if you are curious as to whether your degree will help you reap big financial rewards in the future, here are the 10 highest paying degrees, and the lowest one too.

longest and most grueling courses available,

graduates

from

medicine

and dentistry disciplines are heavily compensated with generous financial rewards. On average people working in this discipline will be earning £40,000 after 3 years, with most dentists and doctors earning even higher than this.

So if you’re a person that squeals at

anything from £45,000 up to £137,000 a year, now that isn't bad at all.

If you are a computer whiz kid, you’ll never

have

Computer

any Science

money

problems!

graduates

9. EDUCATION

are

Not only do teachers get longer holidays,

in serious demand, with employers

they are also get paid generously for

battling each other to obtain the best

passing on their knowledge to children

bunch around. As a result, you can earn

who don’t want to learn. Become a

a healthy starting salary of £25,000

lecturer and you’ll be able to swim in

and above.

your giant pool of cash during your even longer holidays.

the thought of having to deal with sick

6. LAW

patients’ every day, just watch as that

Although starting salaries in this area

doctor drives out of the car park in one

aren't the highest, as you progress, your

Would you like to travel the world and

of his BMWs.

income will rapidly increase. Solicitors

earn a lot of money? Becoming a pilot

2. VETERINARY SCIENCE

and Barristers are some of the most

certainly allows you to do this. Although

highly paid professionals around. Get

not every pilot gets a degree, it is

your wigs on. It’s certainly worth it.

worthwhile studying to fast track you

Love

animals?

You’ll

be

rewarded

for that. Veterinary Science is highly

10. AVIATION MANAGEMENT

up the ladder to where the money is to

regarded as being one of the best paid

7. ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING

degrees, with earnings of over £30,000

AND PLANNING

in the early graduate years. So you

If you can draw a decent plan for a

may get a few scratches and bites from

house, you’ll do well in life. The industry

time to time, but you are certainly well

of building and planning is heavily

Art. Even if you happen to be the next

compensated for that.

profitable. A graduate architect can

Pablo Picasso, breaking into the art

3. ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

earn in and around £25,000 from the

industry is an extremely tough business,

get go. If you’re really skillful and can

thus if you don’t succeed you can

make a house from scratch, you’ll also

expect a salary of less than £20,000

be rewarded for all that heavy lifting.

a year. However, it’s important to

Almost every engineering degree out there will set you up for life. Civil engineers, for example, are high in demand and are offering packages earning you at least £37,000 a year! If you’re really creative with your projects, you’ll be reeling in the big bucks.

be made.

And finally the award for the lowest paying degree goes to…

remember that there is no point picking a career just for the sake of earning a high salary. Do what you love, as it will make you determined to succeed!

39 Leicester

Y R T N E V O C E D I U G Y T I C

HI, I’M TARA! I’M STUDYING MA ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING AT COVENTRY UNIVERSITY.

40

COVENTRY CIT Y GUIDE

PLACES TO EAT As a diverse city, Coventry is full of tantalising choices when it comes to dining out. Whether you are looking for a quick, cheap and easy lunch, an all-you-can-eat buffet, or a fine dining, three-course meal, there are enough restaurants, cafés, smoothie bars and coffee shops for students on a budget.

Here are a few of my favourites: CAFÉ ITALIA ON TRINITY STREET Right in the hustle and bustle of the city centre, Café Italia whisks you away to the rustic charms of Italy, where you can choose from starters, mains, desserts, hot drinks, soft drinks, milkshakes and cakes. Along with the obvious Italian staples, such as, pizza, lasagne, spaghetti Bolognese and pasta arrabiata, you can also choose from freshly -prepared paninis and wraps served with crisps or chips; all day English breakfasts; and fish and scampi.

After your meal, you can indulge in one of the biggest hot chocolates in

NOODLE BAR

COSMO

Tucked away in the corner of the

A

Bull Yard is Coventry’s hidden gem of

recently growing in popularity with

Oriental cuisine. As its name suggests,

students, rental rates are on par with

Noodle Bar serves exactly that: noodles!

Lenton at £64 – but the area is much

But not just your normal, everyday box

safer. Satisfaction rates are 56% but,

of takeaway noodles. Go upstairs to be

again, this is probably due to the fact

seated in a spacious dining area (which

that Beeston is a fairly new area that

is always busy due to how good the food

students

is,) and take your time going through

drastically increase (along with the

their extensive menu. You can choose

rental rates!) in the coming years. The

from their regular meals or specials, and

transport, again, rates high at 7/10 –

each dish can be catered to suit your

a bus takes half an hour to get to the

own tastes. The chicken and vegetable

city centre, although the nightlife was

noodles and sweet and sour chicken are

only voted 4/10, which is fair enough,

a must-try. Each meal is always served

as it is quiet in the evening, and not

piping hot in a huge bowl filled to the

comparable with the city centre or West

brim with your speciality main and your

Bridgford.

choice of noodles, as well as extras. The

LOVESHAKE

noodle bowls leave you feeling satisfied for the rest of the day, and are a great option if you don’t have time for an evening meal. A bowl of noodles and a drink will cost you around £7.

relatively

are

undiscovered

discovering;

place,

this

will

Situated in the Food Court of West Orchards Shopping Centre, is the best milkshake bar in Coventry. LoveShake can turn your favourite chocolate bars, sweets or biscuits into a scrumptiously

Coventry topped with whipped cream

thick milkshake blended with ice-cream

and hazelnut sauce, or a homemade

and milk, topped with cream and a

milkshake made the old-fashioned way

Cadbury’s Flake. The Kinder Bueno,

with fruit and ice cream. The chocolate

Milky Bar, Mint Aero, Marshmallow and

fudge cake is an experience in itself,

Terry’s Chocolate Orange shakes are all

too!

heavenly, and they also serve luxury shakes, ice cream and healthy fruit smoothies!

DO YOU HAVE A SPARE ROOM? If you are a student with a spare room you can advertise it for free on www.accommodationforstudents.com.

Every year thousands of students find someone to share their house with through AFS • 3 million students visit the website each year • Use our city specific noticeboard • Generate replies to your free ad through the site • Match with the people that best fit your house

Simple and easy to do Fill your spare room today

42

COVENTRY CIT Y GUIDE

NIGHTS OUT

ACCOMMODATION

TOP TIP

Coventry is full of bars and nightclubs,

Coventry is one of the cheaper

Instead of buying lunch out all the time,

but two of the best have to be Jumping

student cities to live in with

find out where the closest supermarkets

Jacks and The Kasbah.

an average weekly rent of

are.

Jumping Jacks, or ‘JJ’s’ at the Skydome

£76 per week. However, if you want

Sainsbury’s is located just around the

has themed nights each week, and

to live in the most student-populated

corner from Priory Place in Trinity Street,

plays the top dance tunes and cheesy

part of the city, the picturesque and

less than five minutes’ walk from the

90s’ classics!

arty location of Earlsdon, private rented

University, and is open from 8am-8pm

house prices are usually between £80

most days. It also has a bakery and a

and £88 a week.

delicatessen counter. Tesco Express is

BEST THING ABOUT COVENTRY

next to the Bull Yard, and a little further

However, if you are more into bands and gigs than the latest dance music, head over to the Kasbah (still known to some of the locals as ‘The Colly’, as it used

The history of the city and

to be called The Coliseum), where they

its culture, as well as the

have some of the best bands around

picturesque skyline. Coventry is

playing, such as Funeral For A Friend

a medieval city with a famous Cathedral

and Mallory Knox. On Fridays they have

that was bombed in the Blitz during the

‘Kinky Fridays’ with offers on all drinks,

Second World War. Some of the Tudor

and Saturdays are ‘Tricky Disco’ nights

architecture can still be seen along Spon

where they play a variety of music and

Street and many of Coventry’s pubs

you can just dance the night away.

retain their historic beams. The city is

The city also has lots of student-friendly

home to Coventry Transport Museum,

pubs and bars, and the Odeon cinema is

the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum,

situated in the Skydome.

the Priory (Coventry’s first medieval Cathedral), War Memorial Park, Holy Trinity Church and St. Mary’s Guildhall,; all of which are fantastic places to learn about and explore. The University is also a city campus, so all of the university buildings are in the same vicinity and are close to the city shops. There are also great and easily-accessible rail and bus links to the rest of the Midlands and the UK.

out from the city centre is Tesco Extra at Arena Shopping Park next to the Ricoh Arena. This is open 24 hours a day, and also has a pharmacy. Finally, Coventry Market sells fresh produce, such as fruit, veg, fish and meat, at good value for money prices, and is near to the Lower Precinct part of the city centre.

43

WHERE IT’S AT...

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A STUDENT

CAFÉ ITALIA 9 – 11 Trinity Street, CV1 1FJ

NOODLE BAR 9 Bull Yard, CV1 1LH My perfect day in Coventry would be

ceiling bookcases where you can find

spent with my partner Matthew. We

books on every topic for University, and

would start off with a coffee and muffin

which makes you feel like you are on

at Cocoa Caffe in West Orchards,

the set of Black Books or Harry Potter!

before heading off to University Square,

Afterwards, we would stop for a light

where you will find the Cathedral ruins

lunch at Caffe Italia, before having a

and St. Mary’s Guildhall. We would

look around the shops. Coventry has

check out the latest art works and

all of the main high-street stores, and

exhibitions at the Herbert Art Gallery

the Lower Precinct is a lovely area to go

& Museum. Then we would make our

shopping. After the shops have closed,

way down to Gosford Street to have a

we would go to Cosmo for dinner and

rummage through the tiny antique and

cocktails, and then make our way to the

second-hand bookshop, Gosford Books;

cinema at the Skydome to watch the

a student’s haven filled from floor-to-

latest movie.

COSMO 36 – 42 Corporation Street, CV1 1GF

LOVESHAKE West Orchards, Smithford Way, CV1 1AX

JUMPING JACKS Skydome Leisure Park, Croft Road, CV1 3AZ

THE KASBAH Primrose Hill Street, CV1 5LY

ODEON CINEMA Skydome Leisure Park, Croft Road, CV1 3AZ

WEST ORCHARDS Smithford Way, CV1 1AX

44

DUBL IN CIT Y GUIDE

DUBLIN IDE CITY GU

CITY CENTRE PLACES TO EAT

ACCOMMODATION

Captain America’s on Grafton

offers an electric atmosphere with the

Most student accommodation

Street is one of the first places

best hip hop, R&B, funk, soul and jungle

can be found just a short walk

students flock to for food

mixes.

from campus. All large Dublin

because of their 2-for-1 student offer.

Every

infamous

colleges offer on-campus rooms, so

The mix of American décor, the variety

Copper Face Jack’s opens its doors to

check out your college accommodation

of great food, and €3 student cocktails,

the over 20s for their ‘Choosedays @

website for details.

pints and shots makes Captains your

Coppers’ student night out. The place

one-stop shop for a great night out!

On -campus accommodation can be

will be jam packed, so be warned! For

expensive; however, if you shop around,

Bobo’s Gourmet Burgers is another

an alternative Tuesday, students can

cheaper alternatives can be found.

favourite, offering 15% student discount.

also explore the 4 floors of The Lost

Accommodation for Dublin 1, which

With two locations in the city centre,

Society on South William Street. The

covers most of the North inner city,

their delicious 100% Irish gourmet beef

venue offers a unique experience that

costs an average of €103 per room. Its

burgers are easily accessible when

intertwines the heritage of the Georgian

transport system is rated 7/10, and is

you’re feeling peckish!

building with a modern twist.

a convenient location for accessing the

For a fancier, but still budget-friendly,

Thursday night is Dublin’s busiest student

city.

alternative, try The Port House Pintxo

night, with students kick-starting their

The Southside of Dublin tends to

in Templebar. Its Spanish tapas, such

weekend before evacuating ‘the big

be pricier than the Northside, with

as patatas bravas and manchego-style

smoke’ and returning home to be fed

Stephen’s

dishes, are perfect for sharing. It also

roast dinners at the weekend! DTwo’s

costing an average of €145 per week.

provides an outdoor terrace, which

‘Avenue Thursdays’ on Harcourt Street

However, students in Dublin 2, which

is a perfect spot to sit and enjoy the

will

out;

covers most of the South inner city,

summer weather.

offering an abundance of drink deals

have a 90% overall satisfaction rate,

and discounted entry, all while partying

with a rate of 10/10 for facilities. This

on a sunken dance floor.

location is close to all the city’s hotspots

For those of you wanting to escape

and has everything you could possibly

the world of pubs and clubs, most

want right on your doorstep.

NIGHTS OUT On Mondays, Dicey’s provides an award-winning beer garden attached

to

the

club

with

extensive space for dancing! Enjoy €2 pints, burgers and bottles, and squeeze as much value as possible out of a tight budget! Dandelion’s ‘Messy Mondays’

Tuesday,

guarantee

Dublin’s

a

good

night

of Dublin’s cinemas offer discounted tickets to students, and there’s a 4D ISENSE theatre in the Point Village. For a giggle, The Laughter Lounge on Eden Quay hosts great international and Irish comedy talent at reasonable prices.

Green

accommodation

45

E E D DUN E D I U G Y T I C

“ 2011 DUNDEE CAME FIRST IN THE TIMES HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENT EXPERIENCE SURVEY.”

46

DUNDEE CIT Y GUIDE

CITY CENTRE Dundee is a great place to live and

cheap and cheerful Fat Sam’s. Fat Sam’s

great afternoon off the beaten track,

study, but don’t just take our word for it!

entry price is particularly decent, their

and is much quieter on a weekday if you

In 2011 Dundee came first in the Times

theme nights are constant and laden

want to miss the family crowds. Feeling

Higher Education Student Experience

with cheese, and with its multitude of

really fit, or wanting to burn off that big

Survey, and has consistently featured in

floors there’s something for everybody. If

lunch? Then the war memorial on top

the top ten since, ranking in at number

you’re after a more alternative clubbing

of Dundee Law is well worth a visit. As

four this year. In a separate survey for

experience, then Kage nightclub could

well as brushing up on your history, you

AFS, Dundee ranked number ten in

be to your liking. Take a break from the

can enjoy some stunning views of the

the UK, with a score of 62%. The city

bigger clubs and their mainstream hits,

River Tay and nearby Fife and Angus.

combines cheap housing and nights out

and get dancing with a lively crowd in a

with hidden spots of peace and quiet,

more intimate venue. To top the night

as well as countless sports facilities to

off, a trip to Clark’s all-night bakery is

provide an environment for everyone.

an absolute must. Chances are you’ll

Our guide gives you the ins and outs of

be walking home past it anyway, so it’d

this underrated student hub.

be rude not to really. Besides, hot fresh

A GREAT NIGHT OUT IN YOUR CITY Us students know the importance of

rolls straight from the oven are hard to refuse, intoxicated or not!

preparing for a night out, so you should

BEST PLACES TO EAT

start the night right… with a takeaway

The Liar at the Students Union is a

from Istanbul. This takeaway is cheap,

solid choice for some cheap and hearty

cheerful, and most importantly, it gives

food, making it a great place to take

you massive portions for your money.

a procrastination break after a shift in

If you’re looking to upgrade your pre-

the library or lectures. If you’re looking

drinks session, Medina is a great spot

to go further afield and try something a

for a decent cocktail and a burger to

little more exotic (marshmallow burger,

go with it. The Art Bar is tucked away

anyone?) then Tonic is the place to go.

on Perth Road, and offers a dimly lit

There are over 50 types of burger, so

atmospheric treat. Sit and watch some

good luck choosing! For a little taste of

great live music or a DJ set, and enjoy

lunchtime heaven, pop into The Parlour.

an evening that’s a little closer to home

From cakes to falafel to chowders,

than a night out in the big clubs. If the

everything is top notch, making this a

pub life is the one for you, Braes does

perfect place to impress your parents

a decent quiz night and people tend

with if they’re in town too.

not to cheat… that much! Their chips are also pretty great for fuelling that competitive appetite.

BEST THING ABOUT DUNDEE The atmosphere. Unlike other cities, there is nothing pretentious about Dundee, and most people out on the town are just looking for a good time.

There is something for everyone to do, from nightlife to sport to the arts, so you’re guaranteed to find a part of Dundee that suits and welcomes you!

WORST THING ABOUT DUNDEE Quite simply: hills and stairs. Walking from the train or bus station to campus is a pretty long uphill struggle! Be sure to invest in a comfy pair of shoes and minimise those blisters. Most of Dundee’s buildings are a tad ancient and it shows – there are just no lifts anywhere. As most student flats are high up in old buildings, this can be a bit of a problem. It’s especially annoying if you’re struggling up to the fifth floor with heavy bags of shopping, and getting either up or down those stairs whilst tipsy with heels on could be a

HIDDEN GEMS

nightmare. Make sure you’re keen on

The botanic gardens are the perfect

fitness to accommodate this element of

place if you’re looking for a bit of peace

the Dundee lifestyle!

For city-centre live music, the Doghouse

and quiet. Owned by the Uni, this

is the place to go for great up and

place looks great, smells great, and is

coming local bands. The vibe is friendly

completely free for students. If you want

and the acoustics are brilliant. Now,

to take a quick break from the bustle of

Dundee wouldn’t be Dundee without a

city life, head down to the Camperdown

trip to the infamous Liquid, or the ever

Wildlife Centre. For a fiver, this is a

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48

DUNDEE CIT Y GUIDE

WHERE IT’S AT...

TONIC BURGER BAR 141 Nethergate, Dundee, Scotland DD1 4DP

CITY CENTRE

ISTANBUL TAKEAWAY 117 Nethergate Town Centre, DD1 4DW

DUNDEE STUDENT

AFS TOP TIP

ACCOMMODATION

If you’re after a cheap and lively place

The city boasts a wide variety of

to live, the Perth Road area certainly

MEDINA BAR AND GRILL

accommodation types in a host of

stands out. Solid satisfaction levels

113 Nethergate DD1 4DH

locations, with a huge range of private

(60%) coupled with average rents

and University owned accommodation.

of £55 per week make it a tempting

Rents are also amongst the lowest

choice. It’s halfway between the West

in the UK, with the cost of living

end and the city centre, near to most

being approximately 12% lower than

of the university’s campus buildings,

the average city in the UK. This year

and right at the heart of the action with

Dundee also came in first for good

pubs, clubs and things to do within easy

accommodation in the Times Higher

walking distance. If it’s a solidly student-

Education Student Experience Survey.

orientated neighbourhood you’re after,

The cheap rent and friendly atmosphere

then this is a great place to start looking.

combine to make this a great place to live for students.

Dundee’s main student areas are the

FAT SAM’S 31 South Ward Road DD1 1PU

KAGE NIGHTCLUB 4 Saint Andrew’s Lane DD1 2EY

BRAES 14-18 Perth Road DD1 4LN

City Centre and the West End, which

THE ART BAR

scored 82% and 66% respectively in

140b Perth Road DD1 4JW

our 2012 AFS student survey. However, rents in the West End can rocket as high as £104 per week, which is a significant fluctuation compared to the city average of £56 per week. It’s definitely worth bearing in mind that City Centre rent can be as low as £50 per week if you look hard enough, so make sure you do your research—you might find a bargain

LIQUID 21 South Ward Road DD1 1PU

CLARK’S ALL-NIGHT BAKERY Annfield Road DD1 5JH

in a great area!

The best areas for student satisfaction are Dryburgh (86%) and the university

THE PARLOUR 58 Westport DD1 5EP

campus (82%) but with average rents of £120 per week, students are paying way above the city average for this level

BOTANIC GARDENS Riverside Drive DD2 1QH

of satisfaction. Whether you want a more expensive and luxurious, or cheap and cheerful experience, there’s an area and type of accommodation that’ll be perfect for you.

CAMPERDOWN WILDLIFE CENTRE Coupar Angus Road DD2 4TF

49 Leicester

H G R U B N I ED E D I U G Y T I C

“ EDINBURGH OFFERS EVERYTHING YOU COULD ASK OF A STUDENT TOWN AND MORE; FIRMLY LIVING UP TO ITS STATUS AS ONE OF THE BEST CITIES IN THE UK.”

50

EDINBURGH CIT Y GUIDE

NEWINGTON / POLLOCK PLACES TO EAT

ACCOMMODATION

FOOD & DRINK

A large percentage of freshers

If you’re living in this area as

Between them, Marchmont

live in and around the Pollock

a first year student, chances

and Bruntsfield offer some

Halls complex, nestled under

are you won’t have much

great

Arthur’s Seat about a 20-minute walk

choice over rent prices, with Pollock

with an outpost of local coffee chain,

(well, make it 15 when you’re in a rush

Halls at the more expensive end of the

Black Medicine, as well as everyone’s

for that 9am lecture…) from the central

spectrum. Singles range from £165 to

favourite greengrocers on Argyle Place,

university area. The JMCC dining hall

a whopping £220 per week – although

famous amongst students for its super

is generally well stocked and tasty,

this does include all food and bills. The

cheap fruit and veg. The New Leaf

especially for brunch; however, if the

wider Newington area comes in at the

food cooperative is also next-door for

five daily options of potatoes begin

city average of £80 per week. This side

the more community-minded. Beat the

to lose their appeal, fear not, more

of the city is pretty accessible for the

queue of students at Scotmid all trying

culinary options are just around the

university, between a 5 and 20-minute

to stock up on drink at 9.59 (yes, there’s

corner. Newington’s Nicholson Street

walk away from lecture halls, although

a law banning the sale of alcohol in

plays host to a great range of cafés,

a short taxi ride is needed to get to the

shops after 10pm), and instead head to

pretty much all equipped with Wi-Fi for

city centre for going out.

one of Marchmont’s great pubs or bars

independent

cafés

that perfect study/procrastination stop.

for a more sociable outing. The Cellar

A personal favourite is Kilimanjaro for

Monkey is a good, cosy option with a

their yummy soups and vegan brownies.

Further down the street, you’ll also find Peckham’s; a lovely independent deli

MARCHMONT / BRUNTSFIELD

well above the average student budget,

After the first year, the appeal of

but look between the artisan cheeses

Newington’s sights does slightly fade,

and juices and you’ll find they offer a

and you will witness a mass exodus of

lunchtime meal deal that’s cheaper than

second years into flats around the city;

Tesco!

predominantly in either New Town or Marchmont. Situated a brisk hangovercuring walk across the meadows from

This area of the city remains

the library and main University area,

suited to student budgets,

Marchmont is student central with rents

so you won’t find big chains,

averaging £87 per week. It is bordered

but you will find loads of charity shops

on the West side by similarly cute

sprinkled

Newington,

Bruntsfield, which is slightly cheaper

especially on Nicholson Street. Perfect

with rents of £81 per week. Long streets

for that panic fancy-dress shop every

of high-ceilinged, large-windowed (ie,

fresher will experience as they hunt for

cold) flats and nice local spots make this

a suitable Halloween outfit, or a cracked

a buzzing student community.

throughout

frame in which to display your new poster in your halls bedroom.

selection

of

reasonably-priced

beverages and yummy food.

THINGS TO DO

that you might at first perceive to be

SHOPPING

wide

When mid-term stress swings around and essays are the only things on your mind, relax with a bit of pottery painting at Doodles on Marchmont Crescent; perfect for a birthday or just an afternoon off – you can even bring your own food and drink! For the more athletic, Bruntsfield Links is not just a piece of bumpy grass, but actually a mini golf course! Try your hand at pitch and putt; clubs can be rented very cheaply at The Golf Tavern Pub.

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52

EDINBURGH CIT Y GUIDE

NEW TOWN At the posher end of the spectrum, New Town is another student hotspot with

New Town is full of great

lots of flats to choose from on pretty

free galleries, including the

Georgian terraces. These are often a little more expensive, but probably just as cold as their Marchmont counterparts.

Rents here average £98 per week. New Town pretty much spans from the castle on the West side to Calton Hill on the East side, so it’s busy and widespread, but there’s lots to see and do.

drinks, or just to escape the cold. Share

THINGS TO DO

Scottish

National

Gallery

at the bottom of the mound, and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery on Queen Street. Soak up some culture (or pretend you’re doing research) and then treat yourself to some shopping on Princes Street, where you’ll find all the usual high street shops, or George Street for something more high-end.

FOOD AND DRINK All the usual chain restaurants are found in New Town as well as some nicer spots that are perfect for a hot date, or an all-expenses paid outing when your parents are in town. The Living Room on George Street is a luxurious contemporary option with a great menu and piano bar. You can’t go wrong with a Bibi’s cupcake on Hanover Street, or

The Omni Centre on the East side houses a Vue cinema where you can use your Orange Wednesday codes to see cheap films. It also hosts a car boot sale every Saturday. For something

humble tealeaf.

GOING OUT George

Street

comes

lunch (£3.20 between two!). Peter’s Yard at the Quartmile is the trendy Scandi

centre.

to

neighbouring

and warming lattes (above average in quality, though probably also in price).

You can’t beat The Outsider on George IV Bridge for a post-exam or birthday lunch; an incredible restaurant with castle views and a bargain lunchtime menu means you may be enjoying their famous mussels multiple times per semester.

GOING OUT A happy geographic medium between

Gardens, maintains a sense of civilised suburbia only a short walk from the city

alternative

Starbucks, with delicious Danish pastries

the edge of the gorgeous Botanical

New

Town

and

Marchmont, Old Town offers something for everyone in terms of nightlife. Under the Stairs bar on Merchant Street is quite literally hidden

OLD TOWN / CENTRAL UNIVERSITY AREA

alive

at night, with its many clubs

friend for a bargainous and delicious

completely different, Stockbridge, on

an afternoon pit stop at Eteaket, where you’ll find hundreds of varieties of the

an enormous plate of nachos with a

FOOD AND DRINK

below street level and is a classy spot for a drink with friends. Grassmarket’s pubs sprawl across the cobbled streets, which,

together

with

the

drinking

establishments of the Cowgate, are popular pit stops on many a society bar

below street level. Why Not

No matter where you live,

crawl. Sneaky Pete’s always attracts a

is an Edinburgh institution that every

you’ll be spending a large

great crowd for a dance, and The Caves

student loves to hate. Many a Monday

chunk of time in the central

is an incredible venue for gigs and

night in your first and second years will

area in-between lectures and tutorials.

special events; keep up to date with

be spent here, dancing to chart music.

When the library café becomes too

listings on their website.

Aside from the more obvious choices,

much to handle, there are plenty of

there are lots of unique options to

other great eating options around.

choose from on the side streets between

Teviot is the oldest Students’ Union

George and Princes Streets. Panda and

building in the world, pretty much a

Sons on Rose Street is a Barber Shop-

castle in the middle of campus, and a

themed traditional Speakeasy.

great spot for studying, coffee, food,

53

WHERE IT’S AT...

FINAL CHECKLIST • Climb Arthur’s Seat (preferably on a clear day for that perfect Instagram) and afterwards head to the Sheep’s Heid Inn at Duddingston for perfect village vibes a world away from essays.

• Go on the Harry Potter tour; I know you want to.

• Visit

the

castle,

but

only

after

graduation unless you want to risk cursing your University career.

• Cycle to Portobello Beach. It will be freezing cold but worth it.

• Come up during August for the

NEWINGTON/POLLOCK DOODLES 27-29 Marchmont

SCOTTISH NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY

Crescent,

1 Queen St,

EH9 1HQ

EH2 1JD

PECKHAM’S

THE GOLF TAVERN PUB

VUE CINEMA, OMNI CENTRE

49 S Clerk St,

30-31 Wright’s Houses,

Greenside Row,

EH8 9NZ

EH10 4HR

EH1 3AA

FARM FOODS

NEW TOWN

BOTANICAL GARDENS

KILIMANJARO COFFEE 104 Nicholson St, EH8 9EJ

Arboretum Place,

76 Nicholson St, EH8 9DT

festival and experience a whole new

LIDL

Edinburgh.

56-58 Nicholson Street EH8 9DT

MARCHMONT/ BRUNTSFIELD BLACK MEDICINE 7 Barclay Terrace,

THE LIVING ROOM 115 George St, EH2 4JN

BIBI’S

NADIAS (GREEN GROCER)

TEVIOT

EH2 2PJ

13 Bristo Square, EH8 9AJ

ETEAKET 41 Frederick St,

PETER’S YARD

EH2 1EP

Quartermile, 27 Simpson Loan,

WHY NOT 14 George St, EH2 2PF

PANDA AND SONS

EH9 1JJ

79 Queen St,

23 Argyle Place EH9 1JJ

CELLAR MONKEY 15 Argyle Place, EH9 1JJ

EH3 9GG

THE OUTSIDER 15 George IV Bridge,

18 Argyle Place,

NEW LEAF FOOD

OLD TOWN/ CENTRAL UNIVERSITY AREA

37 Hanover St,

Bruntsfield EH10 4HP

EH3 5NZ

EH2 4NF

SCOTTISH NATIONAL GALLERY The Mound, EH2 2EL

EH1 1EE

OTHER SHEEPS HEID INN 43-45 The Causeway, EH15 3QA

54

EXE TER CIT Y GUIDE

Exeter

R E T E EX E D I U G Y T I C

“ WHEN IT COMES TO PUBS AND BARS IN EXETER, YOU’RE SPOILT FOR CHOICE.”

55

CITY CENTRE you’re in the mood for an alternative

A popular option among students is

Despite being a compact city,

dessert, then try out Wagamama on

“The Vic”, or Victoria Inn, on Victoria

Exeter offers a wide range of

Bedford Street – it offers dishes such as

Street, which serves food until 9pm and

places to eat, ranging from

Wasabi chocolate cake. This restaurant

offers their well-known burgers as well

the typical Nandos to legendary pizza

specialises in Pan-Asian cuisine, and is

as new dishes, such as their 4 cheese

in the place that inspired JK Rowling’s

regarded as a safe and reliable option.

gnocchi “Mac n Cheese”. The Imperial

Leaky Cauldron in her Harry Potter

Finally, we have the Old Firehouse

books.

on New North Road - a place that is

A top place to go for a burger is Ruby

constantly crammed with students, and

Burger on Queen Street; an Americanised

with good reason. It serves food until

burger joint that offers delicious food

1:30am on most days of the week,

and a light-hearted atmosphere. It’s

but the only reason to go there is for

Further down New North Road, you’ll

regarded as one of the best places to

the pizza, which comes in square,

find Oddfellows, which has a fantastic

have opened up in recent years. Brody’s

rustic baskets and is renowned across

lounge for sampling their wide range of

Breakfast Bistro is perhaps even more

the city. The drinks are also popular;

cocktails. Examples include the “Italian

popular; this place has queues down

the flavoured cider is a must, with the

Bee Sting”, with honey, lemon and

the street on a Saturday morning. It

strawberry variety being a favourite of

egg white, and the “Magic 8 Ball”, with

offers an open kitchen, self-service

many.

orange wedges and chocolate liqueur.

stations and a toaster on your table.

PLACES TO DRINK

NIGHT LIFE

PLACES TO EAT

It serves American and English cuisine and is seen as the full English breakfast experience.

(or “Impy”), on New North Road, is another popular student choice, with an excellent beer garden open during the summer. It’s open until midnight; 1am on Fridays.

When it comes to pubs and

Exeter’s clubs offer a range

bars in Exeter, you’re spoilt for

of music, themed nights and

choice. If you’re up for a good

student offers that are hard

If you’re looking for somewhere that

night without clubbing, try The Monkey

to resist. Little Castle Street is home

offers quirky drinks as well as great

Suit on Sidwell Street; a vibrant bar and

to Timepiece, a club that is taken over

food, go further down the street to

live music venue, with three bars over

by students on a Wednesday. A variety

Las Iguanas, a restaurant that serves

two floors. It’s open in the afternoon

of tunes will be playing in the main

flame-grilled

dishes

as well as the evening, where you can

room, or you can get down to some

as well as offering unique drinks, such

try out retro arcade games. The bar

classic urban grooves in the balcony

as “The Jam Slam” - blackcurrant jam

plays a mix of eclectic tunes and has

bar – also known as “Top Top”. Fridays

and cherry liqueur. They may be a little

promotional offers running 24/7!

are also big, with the club playing a mix

Latin-American

pricey, but they’re certainly worth it! If

of current and classic chart and indie/

56

EXE TER CIT Y GUIDE

alternative dancefloor tunes.

ACCOMMODATION

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A STUDENT

For a night of old school music, head

There’s a wide range of

The perfect day in the life of an Exeter

to Arena on Summerland Street for

student

accommodation

student would have to include breakfast

Cheesy Tuesdays – the songs are so bad

available for students, with

at Brody’s Breakfast Bistro with friends

they’re good, and the drinks prices are

facilities to suit individual needs. The

– there’s a reason the queues are

even better. Or, if you prefer, check out

most popular student areas are Mount

so massive! I’d have to get in before

“Dirty Sexy People” on a Monday night,

Pleasant, Pinhoe Road, Victoria (or

9:30am and order the “Early Start”

where dance anthems and commercial

“Vic”) Street, and Pennsylvania Road.

pancakes with toffee fudge sauce. A bit

mash-ups are in abundance. The club

Mount Pleasant is one of the cheapest,

of shopping would then be in order –

is generally host to R’n’B, indie, dance,

with an average rent of £85 a week. It’s

the Princesshay shopping centre has a

party and chart music.

15 minutes’ walk to Streatham campus

fantastic range of shops, and I’d spend

and 20 minutes to the town centre. You

all my time in New Look and TopShop

get the same deal if you live in Pinhoe

if I could! After that, I’d have to head

Road.

to Ruby Burger for lunch and order the

If this sort of music isn’t your thing, then visit Mosaic, on Mary Arches Street, which delivers a blend of electro, house,

Goat’s Cheese and Beetroot salad to

dubstep and hip-hop. The best days

A pricier option is Pennsylvania Road,

to visit are Mondays and Thursdays –

which is a stone’s throw from the town

Monday sees 4Play, an event Spencer

centre and just 10 minutes’ walk to

from Made in Chelsea has been to,

Streatham Campus, but the average

while Thursday is Dirty Beats. Both

rent is £110 a week. Likewise, Vic Street

sessions features shots at just £1 and 2

is £115 a week, and a 10-minute walk to

I’d

for 1 cocktails. If mainstream music isn’t

the city centre and Streatham campus.

outside the cathedral with my friends,

for you, give Cavern on Queen Street a

It’s the most popular place to live, and is

then taking a walk down to the Quay.

go – this indie club sees live shows from

seen as noisy but well located.

Then I’d have to visit the Old Firehouse

make room for one of their legendary “hard shakes” – most likely the “To Die For”, which includes chocolate ice cream and rum! spend

the

afternoon

lounging

a stream of alternative bands, both big

for pizza and flavoured cider, before

and small.

heading down to Cheesy Tuesdays at Arena.

LOOKING FOR A ROOM IN A SHARED HOUSE? Search spare rooms on www.accommodationforstudents.com.

Visit the site to see hundreds of rooms advertised by students who are searching for housemates.

Create a free ad and enable other students with spare rooms to contact you.

• 3 million students visit the website each year • Use our city specific noticeboard • Enable students with spare rooms to contact you • Find great housemates to share with

Simple and easy to do Find a room today.

58

EXE TER CIT Y GUIDE

WHERE IT’S AT...

RUBY BURGER

ODDFELLOWS

74 Queen St, EX4 3RX

60 New North Rd EX4 4EP

BRODY’S BREAKFAST BISTRO 23-24 Queen Street EX4 3SH

LAS IGUANAS

EXETER TRUST HOUSE Blackboy Rd EX4 6TW

NORTHFIELD

79-81 Queen St EX4 3RP

New North Rd EX4 4FB

WAGAMAMA

THE PRINTWORKS

Bedford St EX1 1LR

THE OLD FIREHOUSE 50 New North Rd EX4 4EP

THE MONKEY SUIT 161 Sidwell St EX4 6RH

THE VICTORIA INN 36 Victoria Street EX4 6JQ

THE IMPERIAL New North Road.

EX4 4AH

Western Way X1 2ZT

TIMEPIECE Little Castle St EX4 3PX

ARENA Summerland St EX1 2AZ

MOSAIC Mary Arches St EX4 3AZ

CAVERN 84 Queen St EX4 3RP

60

GL ASGOW CIT Y GUIDE

Exeter

W O G GLAS IDE U G Y CIT

“ IT’S HIP, IT’S HAPPENING, IT’S HIPSTER AND IT HAPPENS TO BE PRETTY HUGE.”

61

Glasgow (for a student) can quite simply and efficiently be divided into two sections, both geographically and conceptually: The city centre and the West End. One is a cultured, inherently Scottish and wonderfully edgy place to be, and the other… well the other is The West End.

CITY CENTRE The city centre is about a half an hour’s

For lunch, you only need to walk down

the Clyde and take in one of the most

walk from the University, so depending

Sauchiehall Street (if you don’t know

beautiful sights in Glasgow; the river at

on where you live, you might not be

where that is, the chances are you’re on

night.

there too often. But when it comes

it) and you’ll find yourself bombarded

to going out, shopping or even just an

with cheap food vouchers and buffet

evening stroll, this really is the place to

menus. My personal favourite is Bagel

be.

Mania, not too far west of Sauchiehall, for its thick-cut juicy salt beef and

PLACES TO EAT When I lived in the centre during my first year, I made it a habit to visit McDonald’s Bakery near Central railway station every morning. You can get a full breakfast or at least a big, wonderfully greasy

generous dollops of cream cheese. In terms of prices, think Subway in bagel form; most meals vary from three to five pounds, depending on the size of your appetite.

PLACES TO DRINK

breakfast roll for under a fiver, including

Glasgow offers more places to

your barista-made coffee. It looks like

dance and drink (and drink and

an attempt to replicate Gregg’s from

dance) than you can shake your

the outside, but once you step through

behind at. My most memorable evenings

the doors you will see that it is a huge

so far have generally taken place along

cafeteria with TVs and constant news

Bath Street, where you will find a hive of

coverage (and I mean constant - ask

(literally) underground nightlife; there’s

me anything about Malaysia Airlines).

St Judes, the Bunker Bar, Flat 01 and,

This is by no means your only breakfast

for those of you who are willing to pay

option, but it is certainly the cheapest;

more for a lavish cocktail-concoction,

other options include Bread Meats Bread

The Hummingbird. If you don’t like the

for

sandwiches,

music where you are, stumble down the

or The Deli for crazy meals with even

road until you hear something that floats

crazier names (ordering the Tuna Melter

your particular boat. Also, get down to

Belter may be an embarrassing moment

Subclub on Jamaica Street for one of

for anyone from Northern Ireland, for

the best underground club experiences

instance).

in Europe. When you’re finished subbing

passionately-made

and clubbing, take a short walk down to

ACCOMMODATION If

you’re

looking

for

somewhere cheap to live, don’t choose the city centre.

Weekly rent ranges from £120 to £150, possibly

cheaper

if

you’re

situated

in student halls, but either way it’s certainly not a cheap option. By and large, if you have the patience and the perseverance, you’ll find somewhere much cheaper and much nicer in the West End.

62

GL ASGOW CIT Y GUIDE

THE WEST END The West End is where you’ll find the

Great Western Road. Whether you’re

University and, most of the time, your

looking for a taco or some sushi, these

good self. It’s hip, it’s happening, it’s

are certainly the best places to look.

hipster and it happens to be pretty

Whilst you’re on Byres Road, make sure

huge. In your first few weeks of living

to take a detour along Ashton Lane,

in Glasgow, you’ll constantly surprise

where the overpriced-yet-delicious food

yourself by getting lost before bumbling

can usually be bought really cheap with

out onto a road you’ve been to three

a student card.

million times before. After a few months of this, you’ll easily know your way around and where all your favourite spots are. Until then, allow me to share some of mine.

PLACES TO DRINK I’ve

used

misleading

an subtitle

admittedly here

in

the interest of consistency; if you’re looking to dance, the West End

WHERE IT’S AT...

MCDONALD’S BAKERS 71 Union Street, City Centre, G1 3TA

BREAD MEATS BREAD 104 St Vincent Street, City Centre, G2 5UB

isn’t necessarily the place to be. You

NIC’S NYC DELI

When it comes to breakfast,

will, of course, find great (and most

you want to think coffee

importantly cheap) nights out at both

50 St Enoch Square, City Centre, G1 4DH

PLACES TO EAT

shops. Whether it is the

of the Glasgow University unions, but

iCoffee chain, the Beanscene chain

apart from that you’re mostly looking

or any of the lovely little independent

at bars and pubs when it comes to the

places,

impressive

West End. Again, the best places to

student discounts on breakfast rolls; if

find these are Byres and Great Western

you’re paying more than £4 for a bacon

Road, but also have a look at (the west

roll and a coffee, you should definitely

end of) Argyle Street where you’ll find

find somewhere else.

really interesting little venues like Bar

SUB CLUB

78 and Table Eleven (aptly named as an

22 Jamaica St, City Centre, G1 4QD

most

will

offer

For lunch, you’ve again got a plethora of

options.

My

personal

favourite

place to eat is The Curler’s Rest on Byres Road, simply because of my English

background

and

the

extension of the Krabbshakk, which has

FLAT 0/1 (and all other clubs on Bath Street) 162 Bath Street, City Centre, G2 1HB

only 10 tables).

ACCOMMODATION

sheer

Accommodation in the West

difficulty I have come across in finding

End is generally cheaper than

THE CURLER’S REST 256 Byres Road, West End, G12 8SH

a decent Sunday roast. Here, you will

the city centre, with rents

get generous portions of meat, with

averaging £100 per week. If you start

THE 78 BAR

admittedly inconsistent and strangely

your search as early as possible, you’ll

arranged vegetable selections, and most

certainly find somewhere a lot cheaper;

10-14 Kelvinhaugh Street, West End, G3 8TB

importantly a massive Yorkshire Pud. If

it just takes patience and hard work!

you’re not feeling traditional, you’ll find all kinds of weird and wonderful options along Byres Road and the adjoining

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64

L ANCASTER CIT Y GUIDE

Exeter

R E T S A C N A L E D I U G Y T I C

CITY CENTRE

BOWERHAM night, but a particular favourite amongst

Situated halfway between Lancaster

relatively

my flatmates is Friday Night Old’s Cool

University

small, Lancaster city centre

when we get to belt out all the old

Bowerham is another option for student

is packed with quaint cafés

classics! Sugar has also hosted acts

accommodation. Some student houses

and good-quality restaurants. Be sure

including Rudimental, Labrinth, and DJ

can be isolated in this residential area,

to check out Juicafe, a family-run café

Kristian Nairn (also known as Hodor

however, so be considerate when it

that makes smoothies and milkshakes

from Game of Thrones).

comes to noise levels! While Bowerham

to order. However, when it comes to

If a relaxed night is more your thing, the

meals out, my favourite is Marco’s – very

Water Witch and the White Cross hold

popular with the locals, so book ahead!

popular pub quizzes; everyone wants to

With all pasta and pizza priced at £5.50

beat the Elizabethans team at the Water

between 5 and 7pm, it’s perfect for the

PLACES TO EAT Despite

being

and

the

city

centre,

has few bars and restaurants, there is a small Spar and a Booths for convenient grocery shopping.

ACCOMMODATION

Witch! In addition to two Wetherspoons

student budget.

Prices in this area are similar

pubs, Lancaster also has its

to those in the city centre,

For something a bit different, both the

own cocktail bar, Mint, with a

Water Witch and the White Cross offer

balcony view.

posh pub fare and beautiful views of the canal. One of the city’s hidden gems, though, is Quite Simply French; located close to the train station and bringing seasonal French cuisine to Lancaster.

NIGHTS OUT

is that living in Bowerham, with its lack

ACCOMMODATION The city centre is an affordable area for students and is close to the nightlife, which is reflected in the 66% satisfaction rate. The average rental price of £87 a week is considerably cheaper than

When it comes to city-centre

accommodation

clubs, the Sugarhouse is the place to be – a student-only

on

the

Lancaster

University

campus.

For

Lancaster

University

students,

the

transport

club provided by Lancaster University

network, rated 7/10, is relatively cheap

Students’ Union. The two rooms have

and

different themes depending on the

campus and the city centre.

runs

frequently

with average weekly rents of £84. One thing to be aware of, however,

between

the

of amenities, can mean spending a lot of time on public transport going to university or the town centre; this is reflected in the 56% satisfaction score.

65

LANCASTER UNIVERSITY CAMPUS Just under three miles from the city centre, Lancaster University campus has plenty of shopping outlets and accommodation, in addition to hosting a

vibrant

nightlife.

The

campus

provides particularly well for first year and international students who may not be able to organise off-campus accommodation.

PLACES TO EAT

NIGHTS OUT Each

college

bar

has

pool

tables, a dartboard and table tennis table, and holds weekly quizzes. The Mill is the place to go

With so much going on, the perfect day

to watch live sports matches, whilst

for a student would certainly be jam-

Pendle Bar’s regular event, Pendle Live,

packed. I’d start with a cooked breakfast

gives open mic opportunities to new

at County Diner before heading into

and established local music acts.

the city centre. On Wednesdays and

Grizedale Bar is the place to go for

There are nine collegiate bars

cocktails in preparation for the night

on campus, the majority of

ahead at Sugarhouse. Free buses run

which provide food during

between the Sugarhouse, Bowerham,

the day and in the evening. Standouts

and campus on Wednesdays, Fridays

include Fylde College Bar, and the Mill,

and Saturdays so you don’t have to

which offers specially made burgers,

worry about organising a safe journey

burritos, and sandwiches. County Diner,

to and from town.

within the County College Bar, is a small business providing affordable cooked breakfasts and lunches to students.

For a more substantial meal, the pride of campus has to be the Trough of Bowland, due to its homemade pie menu. Their speciality is the steak and guest ale pie, where an ale is brought in from the local Bowland Brewery and Thwaites.

DAY IN THE LIFE OF A STUDENT MY PERFECT DAY

Saturdays, the outdoor market offers groceries, cakes, jewellery, books, DVDs and more. For a late lunch, I’d head to the White Cross and sit outside next to the canal – weather permitting – to enjoy a meal surrounded by Lancaster’s ducks! Williamson Park is a great place to relax with friends in the afternoon with a chance walk to visit Ashton Memorial or an ice cream at the Pavilion

ACCOMMODATION Voted Best University Halls in

Café.

the National Student Housing

In the evening, I’d play table tennis at my

Survey, campus offers a wide

college bar on campus – soft drinks from

range of accommodation types, with

the tap are just a £1 – before attempting

an average weekly rent of £105. This

to win my college’s quiz! Whatever you

is considerably more expensive than

do during a day in Lancaster, though,

the city centre and the satisfaction

you can be sure that you’ll feel part of

score is only 54%; however, the sense

the tight-knit community.

of community is rated highly, with a

Campus also offers plenty of cafés to

score of 7/10. Transport links to the city

visit during the day, including the newly-

centre are also good and rated 6/10.

refurbished Deli Café. This specialises in personalised lunch meals and is a handy, central meeting place for a coffee.

“ LANCASTER CITY CENTRE IS PACKED WITH QUAINT CAFÉS AND GOOD-QUALITY RESTAURANTS”

66

L ANCASTER CIT Y GUIDE

WHERE IT’S AT...

JUICAFE 53 Market Street Lancaster LA1 1JG

MARCO’S 27 North Road Lancaster LA1 1LU

THE WATER WITCH

THE SIR RICHARD OWEN (WETHERSPOONS) 4 Spring Garden Street Lancaster LA1 1RQ

County College Lancaster University Lancaster LA1 4YD

THE GREEN AYRE (WETHERSPOONS)

THE TROUGH OF BOWLAND

63 North Road Lancaster LA1 1LU

MINT CAFÉ BAR

Canal Tow Path Aldcliffe Lane Lancaster LA1 1SU

34 Church Street Lancaster LA1 1LH

THE WHITE CROSS

WILLIAMSON PARK

Quarry Road Lancaster LA1 4XT

QUITE SIMPLY FRENCH 27A St George’s Quay Lancaster LA1 1RD

THE SUGARHOUSE Sugar House Alley Lancaster LA1 1NW

COUNTY DINER

Quernmore Road Lancaster LA1 1UX

PAVILION CAFÉ Quernmore Road Lancaster LA1 1UX

LANCASTER UNIVERSITY CAMPUS THE MILL Fylde College Lancaster University Lancaster LA1 4YF

Bowland College Lancaster University Lancaster LA1 4YT

THE DELI Furness College Lancaster University Lancaster LA1 4YG

PENDLE BAR Pendle College Lancaster University Lancaster LA1 4YZ

GRIZEDALE BAR Grizedale College Lancaster University Lancaster LA1 4YU

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68

NOT TINGHAM CIT Y GUIDE

S D E E L E D I U G Y T I C

“ THE BEST THING ABOUT LEEDS IS THAT IT IS A STUDENT HUB.”

69

CITY CENTRE I’m Sarah, I am in my fourth year

is a charcuterie bar that intertwines the

venue for live music and has a cool

studying French at the University of

casual Europe feeding style with a good

student vibe. For something more low

Leeds, and I live in the Hyde Park area.

pint of ale. If you like meat and beer,

key but still student-filled, head to Old

this is the place for you! If charcuterie

Bar in the Leeds University Union where

isn’t your style and you prefer a more

you can chill and play pool, or enjoy a

laid back environment, then try A Nation

sports event or even partake in one of

of Shopkeepers, which will have you

their Food Challenges.

NIGHTLIFE A night out in Leeds will always start with pre-drinks and music in the flat to get everyone in the mood. We take our time getting ready, play some games and have some laughs.

When everyone is ready, we order our Amber Cars taxi (the best in Leeds) and head to Wire - an underground club with the best alternative playlist.

After having each song requested and played, we will head to Call Lane where it is cocktails galore and there’s a huge variety of cool bars with free entry.

believing you are in an American diner.

Burgers, fried chicken and milkshakes,

BEST THINGS ABOUT YOUR CITY The best thing about Leeds is

these guys will have you covered!

that it is a student hub; you can’t

Finally, there is the classic Red’s True Barbeque, a restaurant that offers the tastiest of dishes and is always buzzing.

They don’t take bookings, which keeps their customers eager, yet every single person agrees that it is worth the wait.

HIDDEN GEMS

turn a corner without bumping into another student. This means there are always events and student deals on.

Whether you are up in Headingley or in the city centre, businesses are focused on providing students with fun and some awesome deals. You won’t spend

At closing time, around 3am, you can

The ultimate hidden gem

a single evening wondering what to do

either choose to get a McDonalds before

in Leeds is the Hyde Park

because there is always somewhere to

heading home or continue the party at

Picture

go to eat or party that won’t break the

House,

a

quaint

Space – the club that just keeps on

independent cinema that is cheap and

going. Space isn’t for everyone, but if

alive with atmosphere. There’s always

you are in doubt of somewhere to go

a queue but you can book online, plus

after 3am, there will always be Space!

you will always be sure to run into a friend because all the students head

PLACES TO EAT Leeds of

has

foods

an for

abundance all

tastes

and budgets. If you want something casual with huge variety, the Trinity Kitchen is a great option. One of my favourite places is Friends of Ham; it

here on Orange Wednesdays. Another cool place that is alive with atmosphere is the Brudenell Social Club; the local student watering hole where you can relax with a beer in one room or listen to a local band in the next. It is the best

bank.

WORST THINGS ABOUT YOUR CITY The worst thing about Leeds ties in with the best; it is always busy and full of students (plus it isn’t the largest of cities). If you want to sit down and relax and not feel the hustle and bustle of students, you won’t find it in the city centre, Hyde Park area or Headingley. However, if you want peace and quiet, you can always hop

70

LEEDS CIT Y GUIDE

Leeds

on a bus to Roundhay Park and either

out of the city so you may need a bus to

spend the day on the grass catching up

get to the city centre or campus.

on your reading or brighten up your day at Tropical World.

The city centre has one of the highest ratings for shops, going out and transport as it is always footsteps from a bar or a

ACCOMMODATION Leeds is a highly student-

store; however, you can expect to pay

populated area so finding

around £90 to live in central Leeds and

accommodation

a bus to campus is a must.

is

quite

easy. There are two main student areas, Hyde Park and Headingley, where you will find most student accommodation is located.

AFS TOP TIP Leeds is a lively place to live and it thrives on the student buzz. Living centrally may offer more in terms of

AFS website users have given Leeds

shopping, but the cooler student spots

an overall score of 60%, ranking it in

are in the Hyde Park and Headingely

the higher percentages compared with

areas, where rent is also cheaper. I

other cities. Students were particularly

would recommend checking all your

impressed with the transport in the

options and certainly checking out these

city and the things they have to offer

areas because, for pretty low average

(shops, going out, community).

rent, you get a student neighbourhood

The average weekly rent in Leeds in 2014 was £83 which ranks just slightly above the national average, making it not the cheapest place to live but not the most expensive by far.

One of the most popular areas for students is Headingley, which received a score of 94% due to its offering of shops, restaurants and bars alongside their relatively cheap average weekly rent of £76. However, this area is further

with a few cool pubs and parties.

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72

LEEDS CIT Y GUIDE

WHERE IT’S AT...

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74

LEICESTER CIT Y GUIDE

R E T S E C I E L E D I U G Y T CI LEICESTER Leicester is often overlooked as a really

to clubs throughout the year, but it’s

quite pretty city. Parents and older

reasonably safe to walk back in a group

generations often have a bad view of

at night.

it, remembering a shabby little city with downtrodden factories. However, even the most sceptical are pleasantly surprised when dropping you off for the start of your university years, with the regeneration having made Leicester a beautiful, clean and green place to live with everything you could need in a city centre. A benefit is the wide range of student accommodation for the University of Leicester, clustered around the

central

university

campus

and

EVINGTON If you’re looking for larger houses with more bedrooms, then Evington is a good

Queens Rd is the nearest high street

place to turn to with roads filled with

and boasts a large array of delis and

enormous Edwardian houses – great

independent cafes, plenty of which

for pre-drinks and parties. It’s situated

offer

job

north-east of the University, and you’re

positions for students (do a CV run

likely to have a 5-10 minute walk to

early on in September though!). Jones

campus, or a 15-20 minute walk to

Bistro is popular for delicious breakfasts

town or the train station. The location

and gourmet burgers, while Olives is

is ideal, but sacrifices a little safety –

a great little bar for catching up with

Evington is rife with rumours of gangs

friends and maybe checking out some

and drug dealers. If you stick around the

live music.

outskirts, such as Kimberley Rd (closer

discounts

and

part-time

to the University) and keep your wits

Victoria Park. As a small city, it’s easy

There is a Sainsbury’s Local as well as a

to walk or cycle to and from the main

small Co-Op no more than 10 minutes’

hubs of student life, with enjoyable

walk from most of the student houses

walks along the way.

where you can stock up on food, as well

There are a lot of cheaper convenience

as local greengrocers and butchers if you

shops and takeaways in this area, and

prefer to support the independent high

more Asian food choices with plenty of

This area is situated around the lovely

street. There aren’t as many takeaways

curry houses nearby, as well as a Co-Op

Clarendon Park Road, which is safely

in this area, but further down Welford

for your weekly shop. Of course, you’re

sandwiched between Welford Rd and

Rd is Grimsby Fish and Chips which is an

much closer to the city centre, so you’ll

Queens Rd. Filled with families and a

award-winning chippy for those guilty

have plenty of food choices.

primary school, it’s quite a safe area

nights.

CLARENDON PARK

and very popular amongst students.

You’re likely to have a 5-15 minute walk from the University, and a 30-45 minute walk from the city centre and train station, although there are plenty of buses running nearby. You may find yourself spending a little extra on taxis

about you, you’ll be fine. Just try not to venture too deep into Evington.

Expect to pay an average of £64pppw

Expect to pay an average of £69pppw

for a 6-8 bedroom house, often on

excluding bills for an ex-family home

three storeys. The houses here are large

with 4-5 bedrooms, or a terraced house

and airy, with very big kitchens and

with 3 bedrooms. Modern décor is a

living rooms – perfect for sharing with

little harder to find around here and

a large group.

kitchen space may be limited, but the houses are quite cosy and warm.

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76

LEICESTER CIT Y GUIDE

LEICESTER HIGHFIELDS

BRAZIL STREET AREA

Highfields is similar to Evington, but

A less common area for University of

are limited, however, and you might be

a little further west – located right by

Leicester students to occupy is to the

a little far away from the main student

the city centre and the train station.

west of the University, close to the

areas. Average rents are pricier, at

It’s about the same distance to the

Leicester Tigers stadium, where all of

around £82pppw.

University – around a 10-minute walk,

the streets seem to be named after

If you’re interested in a house with lots

and a 10-minute walk into the city

nuts. This is more popular with De

of bedrooms, like Evington or Highfields,

centre. However, you’ll sacrifice some

Montfort students, and while it’s close

but are prepared to sacrifice location for

safety for this convenience – houses

enough to the University and city

a little more safety, London Road runs

around this area are a bit rife with drug

centre. At around 10-15 minute walks

adjacent to the University and boasts a

deals and rumours of brothels! Most

either way, you’re likely to be up to half

number of three-storey houses. It’ll be

people don’t experience a problem, but

an hour walk away from most of your

noisy with traffic outside, but you’ll be

it’s uncommon for groups of only girls

friends in the Clarendon Park/Evington

a 5-minute walk from the university.

to share a house here – there are a few

area. This may put a dampener on your

Average rents are around £74pppw.

shady characters around sometimes.

social life unless you’re willing to pay for

Despite

the

high-crime

rates,

the

taxis or walk to pre-drinks in the cold.

location cannot be beaten – it’s the

However,

closest to all of the benefits of the

much

share. Try to avoid going too far south,

recently

as you’ll find yourself with a very long

city centre (such as the wide range of

decorated, with inoffensive neutrals

walk to amenities, and most likely with

restaurants and bars) and you’re likely

and new kitchens. Expect to pay around

an old (and cold!) house. Average rents

to never need a taxi when going out,

£65pppw.

are around £65pppw.

BRAZIL STREET AREA

There are many options for students

There are some pretty houses along the

seeking a house to share near the

scenic New Walk, located conveniently

University. Hopefully this guide will

between

shops include a Tesco Express as well as an Aldi, which is great for bulk buying to cook with a large group of housemates.

more

the

here

modern

city

are

student houses for around 5 people to

often

which is budget friendly! Local food

houses

Finally, Welford Rd is riddled with

and

the

have helped – but the most important

Expect to pay around £66pppw for a

University. It’s a picturesque walk lined

centre

and

thing to remember is that it’s the good

large 6-8 bedroom house similar to the

with fashionable townhouses and leafy

company of your friends that makes a

Edwardian houses in the Evington area.

trees, leading down to the popular

student rental enjoyable!

Revolution and other bars that also serve food during the day. Houses here

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33 Castle Street Leicester LE1 5WN

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78

LEICESTER CIT Y GUIDE

WHERE IT’S AT...

JONES BISTRO

REVOLUTION

93 Queens Road, LE2 1TT

6b New Walk, LE1 6TT

OLIVES

CLUB REPUBLIC

95 Queens Road, Le2 1TT

Sandacre St, LE1 3AG

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334 -338 Oxford Road, LE2 6EH

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ISHMAIL ENTERPRISE

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144 London Rd, LE2 1ED

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L O O P R E V LI E D I U G Y T I C

“IN THE CENTRE OF LIVERPOOL THERE IS A RESTAURANT OR CAFÉ ON PRACTICALLY EVERY STREET..

80

L IVERPOOL CIT Y GUIDE

CITY CENTRE

WAVERTREE

PLACES TO EAT

bars are so it’s always a good location

Wavertree is one of the most popular

In the centre of Liverpool there is a

to head to if you’re not sure where to

locations

restaurant or café on practically every

start!

Liverpool universities to choose to live.

street. Dinner at Yates or Wetherspoons

Krazyhouse is a great alternative venue,

is always cheap but there’s also lots

with 3 floors featuring rock, indie and

of great independent spots worthy of

dance music; something for everyone

PLACES TO EAT

support.

to enjoy! There’s also a giant rideable

The Richmond Tavern is a sweet local

My go-to spot for a quick meal is Leaf,

rhino, which is always good for a laugh.

pub with excellent grub and a great

an independent tea shop and bar. Their

As a 90s’ kid, Pop World is a must visit,

pub quiz. Food is served all day and the

breakfast and lunch menus feature a

with its never-ending cheesy pop sure

menu is 2-for-1 on weekdays, making it

variety of foods, including vegetarian

to keep you singing along and/or drive

the perfect location for sharing a meal.

options, and their cakes for afternoon

you insane. They even do events with

tea are some of the best I’ve ever

members from classic 90s’ groups like

tasted. Ichi Noodle is always a good

Blue, which can really transport you

choice, with the choice to eat in if with

back in time!

friends, or take out if you’re in a rush.

ACCOMMODATION

The meals start at £3.99 and are just the right size to fill you up! Café De Pearl is a relatively new place and their speciality is bubble tea, which is a sweet fruit or milk tea drink with tapioca balls. I’m a big fan of the drink and it’s worth going in just to try one, but they also serve really great Chinese food at

The average weekly rent for Liverpool city centre is £84, not far off the national average but high compared with other locations in the city. However, with a satisfaction level of 74%, you will receive value for money, while going out and shopping both receive high user

for

students

from

all

3

It’s around 30 minutes from the centre by bus.

Another standout is The Pizza Parlour, a takeaway after my own heart with its 23 different pizzas. They also sell pasta, salad and (most importantly) ice cream, along with a choice of wines and beers!

NIGHTS OUT Since

Wavertree

is

very

student

orientated, there’s quite a few pubs and bars, mainly situated on the High Street.

However, several of these are occupied by the older generation.

scores of 7-8/10. You’ll also be saving

Cuffs is a café bar with good live

lots of money on travel costs with the

entertainment,

NIGHTS OUT

ability to simply walk anywhere you

nights and live music. It’s a converted

The centre of Liverpool is really the

need to go.

police station but still has a pretty

unbelievable value.

showcasing

acoustic

only place anyone ever goes out, with

relaxing atmosphere. There’s a wide

everyone who lives on the outskirts

range of drinks but they can get a bit

getting the train into the city. Concert

pricey.

Square is where the majority of the

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82

L IVERPOOL CIT Y GUIDE

WAVERTREE Chillies is the place to be if you’re into sports, with pool and all the major sporting events showcased on giant

DAY IN THE LIFE OF A STUDENT - MY PERFECT DAY

screens. At night, it turns into a club with a great atmosphere, so whether

To start off an ideal day, I’d drag

If I’m feeling cultured, I’ll pop down to

or not you like sport, it will have its

some friends for a breakfast wrap at

the docks to visit the Tate or Maritime

moments.

McDonalds (how can something so

Museum. Liverpool has a rich history and

There’s also a popular pub crawl called

unhealthy taste so good?). Our local

deep roots with several art galleries so it

“The Smithdown Ten” on Smithdown

one is inside L1, the huge shopping

seems there’s always something new to

Road if you’re up for a challenge!

centre, so we’d usually drop into all the

see! Some recent exhibitions include art

different stores, from the Disney store

by Grayson Perry so it’s definitely worth

ACCOMMODATION

to HMV, to waste some more of that

going in to see what they have going

Wavertree’s average weekly rent is

student loan! There’s always new shops

on, even if it’s not really your scene. It

£61, which is pretty low. It scores 62%

opening and there really does seem to

makes for a nice trip out either way, so

for satisfaction, with high scores for

be something for everyone… I often find

if you have a free day definitely explore

shopping and transport links. Going out

myself accidentally buying too many

the museums and galleries.

scores a 5 but a quick taxi to the centre

Viennese truffles from Thornton’s.

quickly fixes that. Wavertree remains student-central, so you will get a good atmosphere but it depends on whether you’re willing to rely on public transport to save money.

go home for pre-drinks before going out

to the Odeon on the top level to see

for the night. There’s so many varied

the latest blockbuster - there always

bars and clubs, but we always end up

seems to be a smash Marvel film to

having a good laugh in Popworld!

see. Odeon is definitely the best place in Liverpool to go see a film. With 3

AIGBURTH

storeys, it shows pretty much every film released and also has IMAX viewings and D-box, a weird chair that moves with

Aigburth is popular with students but is

the action of the film! After the film,

also popular with families. It’s about 20

Shakeaway has some great milkshakes

minutes from the city centre by bus but

made with real chocolate bars that taste

is very close to Sefton Park, the place

like heaven; I’d recommend the Kinder

to be on Bonfire Night.

Bueno!

ACCOMMODATION With average weekly rental rates of £61, Aigburth has a pretty low price tag. It only scores 60% on satisfaction though, with going out and shopping scoring just 5-6/10. If you’re low on cash it’s a good choice, but you

After picking up some cheap drinks, we’ll

We’d usually then ride the escalator up

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84

L IVERPOOL CIT Y GUIDE

WHERE IT’S AT...

LEAF

THE PIZZA PARLOUR

65-67 Bold St, L1 4EZ

284 Smithdown Road, L15 5AJ

ICHI NOODLE RESTAURANT

CUFFS

1 Richmond Street, L1 1EE, England

63-69 High Street, Wavertree, L15 8HE

CAFE DE PEARL 69 Bold Street, L1 4EZ

KRAZYHOUSE

CHILLIES 57 - 61 High Street Wavertree L15 8HE

16 Wood St, l, L1 4AQ

TATE LIVERPOOL

POPWORLD

Albert Dock, Liverpool Waterfront, L3 4BB

68 Hanover St, L1 4AG 0151 709 4637

RICHMOND TAVERN 23A Church Road, Wavertree, , L15 9EA

MERSEYSIDE MARITIME MUSEUM Albert Dock, L3 4AQ

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86

LONDON CIT Y GUIDE

N O D LON E D I U G Y T I C

“ WHETHER YOU LIKE A CHILLED ONE, A HEAVY ONE OR A CHEEKY ONE, LONDON HAS IT ALL.”

87

LONDON CITY GUIDE TRANSPORT Student Oysters are great and advised

THINGS YOU MUST

Museum

DO AT LEAST ONCE

should never be ignored. Whether or

for all (1/3 discount on off-peak travel),

Wake up early on a Sunday (yawns at

but it soon eats away at your balance.

the ready), and head to Columbia Road

London is so accessible by bus, they just

Flower Market, then move to Petticoat

don’t stop. Night buses trudge to just

Lane

about everywhere and, be warned, the

galore. If you still have enough energy,

top deck gets lively.

head to Spitalfields Market, a bastion of

Let us not forget the Boris Bike (also

Clothing

Market

for

bargains

consumer diversity and individuality.

known as Barclays Cycle Hire). It’s

Borough Market is the crème de la crème

cheap, easy and you don’t need to drop

of food markets, it’s known for being

the bike back where you started; just

London’s most renowned food market

find another docking station and leave

purely for its vibrancy and quality. If

it there.

you start to salivate and don’t fancy the

Any cyclist in London should use BikeRegister, the UK’s only policeapproved database. It’s an initiative

prices then Terry’s is your classic English Café just three minutes down the road and one of the best in South London.

aimed at bicycle identification in the

Everyone who speaks of London will

event of theft, and it’s free!

mention Camden Market. Do it, but

The Thames Clipper is the fastest fleet on the Thames which covers all the famous landmarks. But be warned, the timetables aren’t always what they seem

don’t fret if you aren’t overwhelmed. It has become a massive tourist trap and is not what it used to be. But Cyberdog is well worth a trip!

and

Gallery

Late

Nights

not you’re into art, science or history, these are great free nights to be had out in London. See the dinosaurs at The Natural History Museum on the last Friday of every month serenaded by DJ’s and live performances, or wander down to The V&A for themed late events, with DJs, bars, food and arty activities for all.

STUDENT DISCOUNT If in doubt, ask!

The Royal Opera House offers student membership with the opportunity for purchasing £10 tickets to each of its shows.

Anyone under 25 should apply for the National Theatres Entry Pass. It’s free to do so and you can get seats to the best shows and productions run for £5 and £7.50 for a guest (another under 25).

The Old and Young Vic are also worth remembering for cheap theatre tickets.

and it isn’t as frequent on a Sunday!

THE BEST ‘FREEBS’

The Olympic cable cars introduced by

Grab a copy of Timeout or Metro,

the infamous Mayor Boris Johnson will

London’s

take you to Greenwich, which is more

newspaper respectively. Metro comes

The Barbican has just started their

than worth a visit and you can pay using

out every afternoon and you can grab

free Youth Membership. Sign up to

your Oyster.

one at any station, or any empty bus

benefit from reduced prices to all of

seat. Timeout is always worth getting

their events, along with £5 tickets to

as it lists everything from gigs and club

film screenings at their stunning, uber-

nights, to the best bars, restaurants and

comfortable basement cinema from

pop-up shops.

Monday-Thursday. The mighty Peckham

best

free

They show some of London’s top magazine

and

productions, and have heavily reduced tickets for students.

88

LONDON CIT Y GUIDE

Plex also charges £5 (at all times), and is highly accessible.

PUBS With more than 4500 pubs and bars

London is home to many a hairdressing

in London, you are slightly spoilt for

school. So when it comes to that

choice. The White Hart on Drury Lane

much need trim, this is a worthwhile

claims to be London’s oldest licensed

recommendation. The major ones offer

pub, and does great ale.

free cuts and styles to anyone willing to model.

If you are near a Sam Smith’s, it’ll be your new best friend. This chain

Most parks now have free gyms; yes,

produces its own ales and lagers, and

free. You’ll be exercising outdoors and

you can buy a round of four drinks for

viewed by the wondrous passers-by;

just over £10.

however, it costs nothing and is more interesting than your average jog.

BOOKSHOPS AND LIBRARIES Never ignore your local library. I’s free to sign up (you just need proof of address)

And surely we can’t forget about the beloved

Wetherspoons.

Cheap

and

lively; a great way to start any night out, or purely to sit in and take advantage of the free WIFI.

and they’re happy to order books upon

Pub-crawl recommendation: the Circle

request. It’s a quiet place for when

Line pub crawl. It isn’t easy to complete,

you aren’t near to the campus library,

so have your stamina at the ready; it is

with free internet access, and printing

a 12-hour test of your ability to navigate

facilities.

London’s underground whilst slightly

The British Library is just down the road from Kings Cross and St Pancras, and boasts the most extensive collection of books, catalogues and collections; housing more than 150 million items. It also has astounding digital content and online resources.

Always worth a visit when that dreaded course booklist comes in is Foyles’ flagship store at Charing Cross, offering 10% off to students with the Foyles student card. Skoob in West London also offers a 10% discount to students.

inebriated. The aim is to disembark at each of the 27 stops for a swift pint, finishing up in the first pub you started in. Please note: this is not for the faint hearted.

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90

LONDON CIT Y GUIDE

LONDON CITY GUIDE BARS AND CLUBS

a sell-out).

venue, it is not for the claustrophobic.

Probably the best thing to remember

London is well known for its trendy

For anyone looking for a daring night

is that London is so immense it has

East End. Brick Lane is familiar to most

out, the Royal Vauxhall Tavern is a

something for everyone. Whether you

and has long been seen as the ‘trendy

real treat. Having always embraced the

like a chilled one, a heavy one, a cheeky

place to go’. It is full of the cool kids on

cutting edge of London’s performance

one or a head-banging one, London has

the block. Yes, it is a good night out if

scene, it submerges itself in the best

it all. It is a student’s haven.

you haven’t done it before, but it’s no

comedy, drag and theatre and is always

longer ‘different and unique’, what with

host to exceptional DJs. One of London’s

being packed full of east-end clones all

best gay venues, it is a great night out

mirroring each other. Don’t be put off,

for anyone. But be warned, there are no

you will have a great night, but just to

limits to what you may see on stage!

The big clubs; yes, they are an awesome night out and you will have an epic time, but, my word your bank balance will feel it the next morning. Ministry of Sound, Egg, Fabric, Koko, Cargo, Scala, Funky Buddha: they are all a great night

forewarn you, nobody tends to stand out of the crowd in Brick Lane anymore.

out, but unless you have a heavy wallet

Dalston is the new East End hotspot.

you’re better off partying elsewhere.

Birthdays is a two-floor fun factory

South London has some epic and renowned

venues:

Corsica

Studios,

situated beneath two arches in Elephant and Castle with two main rooms, is a

with a massive sound system, and has hosted parties featuring the likes of VICE, Chvrches, Jagwar Ma and Bloc Party.

FOOD AND RESTAURANTS Do not fret. It is much easier than you think to eat out in London without emptying your wallet. Firstly, Brixton.

Not only does Brixton run a weekly weekend market with some absolutely stunning food for under a fiver - think Mexican, think mounds of Ethiopian,

must for any house or techno lover.

Soho, the beloved gay haven of London,

but most importantly think Jerk! Brixton

Sessions runs every Thursday (free

and a gay night you will have too (in

is home to Brixton Village and Market

entry before 11) and £2.50 drinks every

the happy sense). Old Compton Street

Row with foods from around the world.

Tuesday at Sixty Four Zero. Bussey

is the best place to start; full of bars

It is a hive of noise and activity, with

Building/CLF Art Café has become

and a real treat. White Heat at Madame

live music and tiny restaurants and

South London’s trendiest new hipster

Jojos on Brewer Street is really popular

bars, each with mish-mash seating and

venue, but don’t be put off! There are

among students for the best in art pop,

barrels flooding the walkways so you

four floors catering for every music taste

disco and £1 shots.

are sure to find a seat. With impromptu

(though not for the tweeny bopper/pop lover). It is packed with students and runs the notorious Soul Train on the first Saturday of every month (book your ticket in advance, as it is always

For anyone fancying more of a sit-down venue, the Ain’t Nothin But Blues Bar in Kingly Street is an incredible place for live acoustic, blues and jazz sessions. It has free entry, but not being a massive

parties, mass dance gatherings and food for literally all tastes, it is one of South London’s best assets.

Student Accommodation

LONDON

Why look anywhere else?

• Great locations – Shoreditch, Elephant and Castle, • • • • • • •

Southwark and Wembley Close to London’s major universities and colleges Fully furnished studios and en-suite rooms available 24 hour staff presence No hidden charges Free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout Extensive communal facilities and roof terraces Wide range of room types, tenancy lengths and payment types available

Call now or visit our website www.victoriahall.com london@victoriahall.com

Dashwood Studios Victoria Hall 120 – 138 Walworth Road Southwark SE17 1JL Tel: +44 (0)20 3475 5960 dashwood@victoriahall.com

Paris Gardens Victoria Hall 6 Paris Gardens Southwark SE1 8DJ Tel: +44 (0)20 3475 5948 parisgardens@victoriahall.com bject only, su indicative image is n e ch it K

Bedroo m imag e is indic ative on ly,

Victoria Hall North End Road Wembley HA9 0UU Tel: +44 (0)20 3475 5952 wembley@victoriahall.com

subject to chan ge

Paul St. East 18 Paul Street London EC2A 4JH Tel: +44 (0)203 4755 980 paulsteast@victoriahall.com /VictoriaHallDashwoodStudios /VictoriaHallParisGardens /WembleyVictoriaHall @Victoriahalls

ge to chan

92

LONDON CIT Y GUIDE

LONDON CITY GUIDE But you cannot head to the heart of

your heart may desire, but it is also full

South London and not pick up some of

of astounding Vietnamese restaurants.

its best soul food and Jamaican cuisine.

You will try and order mounds of food

Brixton is awash with tiny shacks and

and you will be told no. The staff will

stands selling beautiful dishes. You will

not let you order as much as you desire,

hand over a fiver and come back with

simply because the portions are huge.

change.

Great places for sharing, Le Gia and

Deptford is full of astounding Vietnamese

Mama Pho are worth noting.

restaurants. Great places for sharing

Pie and Mash, that old British favourite,

like living the high life.

Pie and mash, that old British favourite, is a must in London. Manzes in Bermondsey is the place to go. David Beckham likes it, so you should too.

and huge portions, Le Gia and Mama

is a must in London and Manzes in

North of the river, one place that

Bermondsey is the place to go. If David

cannot be ignored is Chinatown. It is

Beckham likes it, then so should you.

a little gem in the heart of the West

Brick Lane is essential for food. Long

End and you will fail to be bored. It is

being the Jewish quarter, you’ll find

worth as visit just to gander at ducks

amazing fresh bagels for under £2. You

and suckling pigs hanging whole in

can’t do Brick Lane without a curry.

windows or the stacks of buns and

Whitechapel is home to some of the

sweets in the Chinese bakeries. You

finest curries in London that won’t

are spoilt for choice for restaurants.

break the bank.

There’s plenty of all you can eat for

North of the river, one place that cannot

Brick Lane is essential for food. Long being the Jewish quarter, you will find probably the best bagel shop possibly in England. Bear in mind there are two next-door to one another (I would always go for Beigel Bake),and everyone has their favourite, but think masses of fresh bagels lining the walls, filled with mounds of cream cheese and salmon, or the classic salt beef and all for under £2.

under £10, or restaurants specialising in Sichaun, Guizhou and even Malaysian cuisine. If you are feeling slightly more extravagant, go for the dim sum. Dishes are carted round in bamboo baskets,

You cannot do Brick Lane without

freshly prepared and trollied round from

having a curry. Whitechapel is home

table to table. Baozi Inn and Café TPT

to a massive Asian community, which

offer street-style food with vast menus

means only one thing; some of the

and the food is always stunning and

finest curries in London that won’t

cheap. Timeout recommends both with

break the bank. Either head to one on

high esteem.

Brick Lane or carry on down the road to Whitechapel and you will fail to be disappointed.

Finally,

never

ignore

your

local

supermarket’s reduced items section.

Every store reduces in its own time but

Continuing with South London (not that

it will always be at the same time! Note

I am at all biased), one cannot ignore

it down!!!! Everyone loves a ten pence

the delights of Deptford. Yes it has a

loaf of bread. Waitrose always does the

great market full of every kind of tat

best reductions; even at ten pence, it is

Pho are worth noting.

be ignored is Chinatown. There’s plenty of all you can eat for under £10, or restaurants

specialising

in

Sichaun,

Guizhou and even Malaysian cuisine. If you’re feeling slightly more extravagant, go for the dim sum. Dishes are carted round in bamboo baskets and freshly prepared. Baozi Inn and Café TPT offer street-style food with vast menus and the food is always stunning and cheap.

Finally,

never

ignore

your

local

supermarket’s reduced items section...

Everyone loves a ten pence loaf of bread.

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94

LONDON CIT Y GUIDE

WHERE IT’S AT...

MARKETS COLUMBIA ROAD FLOWER MARKET, Columbia Road, London, ‪E2 7RG

PETTICOAT LANE MARKET Middlesex St, London E1 7JF

SPITALFIELDS MARKET Brushfield Street, Spitalfields, London E1 6AA

BOROUGH MARKET 8 Southwark Street, SE1 1TL

TERRYS CAFÉ 158 Great Suffolk St, London SE1 1PE

MUSEUMS NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD

V&A Cromwell Road, South

BIRTHDAYS

BRICK LANE

Kensington, London, SW7 2RL

33-35 Stoke Newington Road London N16 8BJ

E1

PUBS

WHITE HEAT

WHITE HART 191 Dury Lane, WC2B 5QD

SAM SMITHS •C handos, St Martins Lane, WC2N 4ER •T he Cock, Great Portland Street, W1W 8QG •T he Anerley Arms, Rudsdale Road, SE20 8AG •T he Angel, Bermondsey Wall East, SE16 4NB

BARS AND CLUBS CORSICA STUDIOS 4/5 Elephant Road, London, SE17 1LB

BUSSEY BUILDING/CLF ARTS CAFÉ 133 Rye Lane, Peckham, SE15 4ST

Madame JoJo’s, 8-10 Brewer Street, W1F 0SE.

AIN’T NOTHIN BUT BLUES BAR 20 Kingly Street, Soho, W1B 5PZ

ROYAL VAUXHALL TAVERN 372 Kennington Lane, SE11 5HY

FOOD AND RESTAURANTS BRIXTON MARKET Brixton Station Road London SW9 8PD

BRIXTON VILLAGE Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, SW9 8PS

MANZES 204 Deptford High St, Deptford, SE8 3PR

WHITECHAPEL E1

BEIGEL BAKE 159 Brick Ln, E1 6SB

LE GIA 41-42 Deptford Broadway, London SE8 4PH

MAMA PHO 24 Evelyn St, London SE8 5DG

CHINATOWN W1

BAOZI INN 26 Newport Ct, London, WC2H 7JS

CAFÉ TPT 21 Wardour St, Chinatown, W1D 6PN

95

R E T S E H C N MA E D I U G Y T I C

“ THE CITY CENTRE HAS MANY DIFFERENT TYPES OF BARS AND CLUBS TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS.”

96

MANCHESTER CIT Y GUIDE

FALLOWFIELD / RUSHOLME housing needs, and it’s the student hub

If you’re a fan of live music, Satan’s

With over 100 takeaways,

of Manchester-living. It’s a 30 minute

Hollow is a great place to experience it.

the

infamous

Mile

walk from most of the Universities or,

The club is set over 3 floors, with music

will

have

for

if you have had a particularly eventful

for everyone.

everyone’s liking. However, it’s not just

night, buses run every minute and will

a quick, late-night hunger solution; it’s

get you there in no time!

PLACES TO EAT Curry

something

ACCOMMODATION The city centre is highly

also home to a number of acclaimed restaurants. Among the best is Mughli, a family-owned restaurant and an absolute must-visit.

The Kosmos Taverna is a lovely Greek restaurant in Fallowfield. It’s a quaint place that’s very welcoming to students, which is perfect for a date or catch up.

NIGHTS OUT If you’re looking for a ‘typical’ freshers’ night out, then Revolution might be the place for you! It offers cheap drinks

competitive and the average

CITY CENTRE

price of £83 reflects this.

Piccadilly train station is on your doorstep

PLACES TO EAT

and with the Arndale just a stone’s

EastZEast is a highly acclaimed Indian

throw away, everything a student could

Restaurant where you’ll still get change from a £20 note. If Chinese food is

need can be found here. It also scores an impressive 70% satisfactory rating.

more your taste, the Sweet Mandarin is the place to be. The two sister chefs

DEANSGATE

were recently awarded MBEs for their services to food and drink so it’s well worth a visit!

PLACES TO EAT La Tasca is an extremely well-priced

and plenty of people for company. If

The all-you-can-eat franchise ‘Red Hot

you’re more of a pub-goer, then I can’t

Spanish restaurant that serves food in

World Buffet’ is extremely popular with

recommend The Friendship Inn highly

traditional Spanish pots. With locally-

students - boasting more than 100

enough. It serves typical pub food,

sourced food, highly-skilled chefs and

dishes on any given night!

a stylish interior, the Hilton Hotel’s

NIGHTS OUT

Podium restaurant stands out as one of

has large screens for the football and is always a lively place. In the evening

Make sure to head to Footage

it hosts everything from special quiz

the classiest places to eat.

on a Friday night for the ‘Stock

NIGHTS OUT

Market’; a promotion where

*The Alchemist is perfect if you’re in the

prices fluctuate based on demand -

mood for something spectacular. If the

great for a bargain pint! Manchester

ACCOMMODATION

art of cocktail making and the ‘show’

is proud of its LGBT heritage and the

Most students in Manchester live in

behind them is important to you, then

clubs around Canal Street are great

Fallowfield or Rusholme. Prices differ

the Alchemist is definitely the place to

fun. The Gay Village is inclusive and

from the very cheap to the ridiculously

be.

welcoming, great for anyone who wants

expensive, so do your research. For an

to experience more of Manchester’s

average price of about £73 a week,

culture!

nights to stand-up comedy shows. It’s a great venue for entertainment on a student budget.

Fallowfield in particular could fulfil your

97

Cloud 23 is a must for anyone who loves

WHERE IT’S AT...

great views. It’s located near the top of the Hilton Hotel and you can see the whole of Manchester below. Get there early to have any chance of getting in!

Burnage,

Didsbury

and

FALLOWFIELD/RUSHOLME

surrounding

villages PLACES TO EAT ‘And the Dish Ran Away with the Spoon’ is a great tea and cake shop, with a large garden in which to enjoy your tasty treat.

The Mary and Archie is perhaps the weirdest eatery in Manchester. Open almost 24/7, the restaurant is located in a large house - with each room having a different theme. The food is more traditional and includes favourites like lasagne, burgers and fries.

ACCOMMODATION The surrounding villages are a great place to live if you want to escape the

MUGHLI RESTAURANT + CHARCOAL PIT 30 Wilmslow Road,

SATAN’S HOLLOW 101 Princess Street, M1 6DD

DEANSGATE

M14 5TQ

LA TASCA

KOSMOS TAVERNA

76 Deansgate,

248 Wilmslow Road, M14 6LD

M3 2FW

REVOLUTION FALLOWFIELD

PODIUM RESTAURANT

311-313 Wilmslow

Hilton Manchester,

Road, M14 6NW

303 Deansgate,

THE FRIENDSHIP INN 353 Wilmslow Road, M14 6XS

CITY CENTRE

M3 4LQ

THE ALCHEMIST 3 Hardman Street, M3 3HF

hustle and bustle of student life. The

EASTZEAST PRINCESS STREET

prices are reasonable, with an average

Princess Street,

Hilton Hotel,

of £72 a week, and it has a satisfactory

M1 7DG

303 Deansgate,

score of around 62%. A lot of the villages offer local amenities and a large

SWEET MANDARIN

supermarket is never too far away. A

19 Copperas St,

longer bus trip is needed to get to Uni,

M4 1HS

A PERFECT DAY OUT A trip to The Friendship Inn with some mates to watch the football is essential on the weekend. Later I’d head to Cloud 23 nice and early to avoid the queues.

After a few drinks, heading over to

SURROUNDING VILLAGES AND THE DISH RAN AWAY WITH THE SPOON

48 Deansgate, M3 2EG

230 Burton Road,

FOOTAGE MANCHESTER

M20 2LW

Grosvenor Street,

MARY AND ARCHIE

M1 7DZ

200 Burton Road,

Satan’s is a must. A couple of music-

GAY VILLAGE MANCHESTER

filled hours later and it’s over to Footage

Canal Street,

to bust some dance moves before

M1 3EZ

heading home to the bliss of bed!

M3 4LQ

RED HOT WORLD BUFFET

but the journey won’t be more than an hour.

CLOUD 23

M20 2LW

98

NE WCASTLE CIT Y GUIDE

E L T S A C W NE E D I U G Y T I C

“ NEWCASTLE HAS AN ENDLESS LIST OF PLACES TO EAT TO SUIT EVERYONE’S TASTE.”

99

CITY CENTRE PLACES TO EAT

JESMOND WEST JESMOND NIGHTS OUT

Newcastle has an endless

Newcastle has a renowned

A mere couple of miles from the city

list of places to eat to suit

reputation for being one of

centre, this residential area is extremely

everyone’s taste; whether it

the

popular with students as it has a lot to

best

student

night-out

is a luxurious meal at the quayside or

destinations. It offers an array of student

a takeaway craving after a night out,

club nights and cheap deals on drinks;

Newcastle has it all. Grey Street, one

most famously the trebles, something

of Newcastle’s historical streets, is full

you will come to love. Possibly the

of places featuring all different cuisines,

most famous club is The Diamond Strip;

such as Las Iguanas, Zizzi, Café Rouge

with Revolution, Madame Koos, Perdu

and Carluccio’s. Not only this, but

and many others. During the week,

Northumberland Street now has Nudo,

they all have student nights, each

a sushi takeaway that isn’t too pricey,

with a different theme and a long list

and a Gregg’s if you’re between lectures

of drinks deals. Other popular student

and need a quick food fix.

haunts are TubTub, Riverside and World

If you’re feeling fancy, head to the quayside where there are restaurants, such as Pitcher and Piano, La Tasca and Gusto. The outstanding views of the

Headquarters, which presents nights like ‘Soul Jam’ or Itchy Feet’, two of my personal favourites.

Millennium and Tyne Bridge alongside

With

a lavish meal makes for the perfect

rental

special occasion. However, if you want a

Newcastle, you would have

hidden gem, then The Quilliam Brothers

thought the city centre would have been

Tea House is right up your street. It is

considerably higher, but the average is

situated near Newcastle University and

£68. Also, with the nightlife rating of

has an extensive list of unusual teas

10/10, how can you go wrong?

together with delicious cakes.

PLACES TO EAT Jesmond has an array of cute cafe’s and a Starbucks if you’re craving a Frappuccino. Likewise, there is The Fat Hippo restaurant - a favourite among students - which also has a deli across the street. Further afield, near the West Jesmond Metro, there is a row of budding restaurants, like Avanti (Italian), Komal’s (Indian) and Arlo’s, which is a café and bistro offering a superb brunch.

NIGHTS OUT

ACCOMMODATION an

offer.

average

cost

of

weekly £73

in

Well, there is no other place than Osborne Road, which is bustling with bars, all of which have offers throughout the week to suit every student’s pocket. From Spy Bar to Osborne’s, they all offer a great atmosphere and lots of cocktails if you want a sophisticated vibe. Also, just a short walk away towards Sandyford is Mr Lynch, if you want to have a bit of a dance.

ACCOMMODATION Rental rates are significantly higher in Jesmond, due its popularity, with average weekly rents of £79. However, this is counteracted as the overall satisfaction rate is 78%, so it must be doing something right.

10 0

NE WCASTLE CIT Y GUIDE

HEATON Heaton is considered home to most of Newcastle’s

student

accommodation

DAY IN THE LIFE OF A STUDENT - MY PERFECT DAY

and is popular with all students.

PLACES TO EAT

If I were to describe a perfect day in Newcastle, it would begin with breakfast at

Heaton is well serviced with

home before venturing into Jesmond for a nice brunch at Arlo’s. I would then head

many

several

into town to do a bit of shopping – Eldon Square is great as it has a large variety of

grocery stores and a couple

shops, from Topshop and Adidas to John Lewis. I’m a huge lover of donuts, so I’d

of bars. Two places that are always

probably go to Krispy Kreme’s for a quick snack! I also enjoy galleries and museums,

recommended are The Khan’s restaurant

of which Newcastle has plenty, so I sometimes head across the Millennium Bridge

offering Halal food and Sky Apple Café,

to The Baltic, a great well-known contemporary art gallery located in a former mill.

takeaways,

which offers low-cost food and a great atmosphere for breakfast, lunch and evening.

In the evening, I would go out for a few cocktails – probably on Osborne Road as there are always great offers. But If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll go to Livello or Jalou in town, as they both have amazing cocktails, even a Cookie Monster cocktail, of

NIGHTS OUT

which I can’t get enough!

There isn’t a huge number of bars, but The Chillingham is always popular as it has a lounge and a bar and a cracking quiz night.

ACCOMMODATION With average weekly rental rates of £60, Heaton offers a

cheap

alternative

for

students who are on a tight budget.

Satisfaction rates are lower at 66%, but you get what you pay for and it depends on what you want from your accommodation; for example, location to the university of local bars.

One thing I do love about Newcastle, is that every Sunday there is a market at the Quayside. You can walk along the river and take in the views whilst finding a bargain and munching away on fish and chips or a Mexican wrap.

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Student accommodation at its best

The perfect location in Newcastle in the heart of the city, you’re only

minutes away from Northumbria University and Newcastle University campuses

All inclusive bills in private studios with plenty of storage space En-suite bathrooms as well as double beds and smart TVs in all rooms Fully equipped gym and lots of branded bikes for you to borrow 50Mbps internet and 30Mbps WiFi so you can connect any time, anywhere

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10 2

NE WCASTLE CIT Y GUIDE

WHERE IT’S AT...

CITY CENTRE LAS IGUANAS 74 Grey St NE1 6AF

ZIZZI 42-50 Grey St NE1 6AE

CAFÉ ROUGE Carluccio’s 89 Grey Street NE1 6EG

NUDO 147 Northumberland St

GREGGS 24-32 Northumberland St NE1 7DE

PITCHER AND PIANO 108 Quayside NE1 3DX

LA TASCA

RIVERSIDE

AVANTI

106 Quayside NE1 3DX

Neptune House 1 The Close NE1 3RQ

52-54 Brentwood Ave NE2 3DH

WORLD HEADQUARTERS

KOMAL’S

GUSTO 106 Quayside NE1 3DX

THE QUILLIAM BROTHERS TEA HOUSE Barras/Claremont/ Eldon Buildings NE1 7RG

REVOLUTION Collingwood St NE1 1JF

MADAME KOOS 36 Collingwood St NE1 1JF

PERDU 20 Collingwood Street NE1 1JF

TUBTUB 7 St Nicholas Street NE1 1RE

Curtis Mayfield House NE1 6UF

LIVELLO Lower Dean Street NE1 3JE

14-16 Brentwood Ave NE2 3DH

THE CHILLINGHAM

Carlton Hotel 82-86 Osborne Rd NE2 2AP

THE FAT HIPPO 35A St George’s Terrace NE2 2SU

SKY APPLE CAFÉ

36-38 Brentwood Ave NE2 3DH

SPY BAR

37-39 St George’s Terrace NE2 2SX

178 Heaton Rd NE6 5HP

182 Heaton Rd NE6 5HP

Neville Street NE1 5DH

STARBUCKS

THE KHAN’S RESTAURANT

ARLO’S

JALOU

JESMOND/ WEST JESMOND

HEATON

OSBORNES 61 Osborne Rd NE2 2AN

MR LYNCH Archbold Terrace NE2 1DB

91 Chillingham Rd NE6 5XN

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10 4

NOT TINGHAM CIT Y GUIDE

M A H G N I T T NO E D I U G Y T I C

“ NOTTINGHAM IS A PERFECT CITY FOR STUDENTS, WITH PLENTY OF STUDENT CLUB NIGHTS AND CHEAP DEALS ON DRINKS IN BARS.”

10 5

CITY CENTRE further up the hill; so if you want to

the drink is clear! Dogma, hidden away

Nottingham is host to a variety

continue the night there, just let the

in a little side street, offers a huge

of chain bars and restaurants,

staff know and they’ll arrange free entry

variety of cocktails and a basement

and unique, quirky places.

to the club!

dancefloor, and has a great atmosphere

Over the last year, we’ve had plenty of

NIGHT LIFE

PLACES TO EAT

new additions to the city. For a cake fix, be sure to head to Pudding Pantry, with everything from pancakes and sticky toffee pudding to an amazing salted caramel mousse on offer!

The White

Rabbit tea room – tucked away in a cute Victorian arcade – is a great place for lunch, with a range of sandwiches and cakes on offer. Be prepared to queue though; although it is still somewhat a hidden secret, with only 10 tables, it’s always full!

If it’s a burger I’m after, I head to Annie’s Burger Shack. Situated right in the heart of historic Lace Market, the interior is warm and welcoming. With more than 20 burgers on the menu, you’ll be spoilt for choice!

Just to be sure to book

ahead, as it’s really popular!

Long Island American Diner only opened in May 2014 and is definitely worth a visit, serving hearty American food at really reasonable prices. Long Island is based on two floors, with the ground floor the diner, and the upper floor a nightclub with an entrance a few feet

on Friday and Saturday nights; but a

Nottingham is a perfect city for students, with plenty of student club nights and cheap deals on drinks in bars.

Perhaps the

personal favourite of mine is Saltwater.

Order a Polish martini and enjoy the city views from the outdoor terrace.

ACCOMMODATION

most famous club is Rock City; with

With

the biggest student night, Tuned, on

rental

Thursdays offering 2-4-1 drinks. Plenty

Nottingham, understandably,

of gigs are held here too – Katy B and

rents in the city centre are considerably

Ed Sheeran are just some of the names

higher at £86.

playing in the coming months. Just a

are justified with a satisfaction rate of

word of warning: if you go here, do

74%; the nightlife, shops and transport

NOT wear nice shoes – the sticky floors

are all rated 8/10. Although rental prices

will ruin them!

are higher, you’ll save money on taxi

Other popular student haunts are Forum in the Corner House, with rival Thursday night 4Play, Stealth and Rescue Rooms.

They join forces every Saturday night with five music rooms, six bars, two terraces and a Caribbean-themed BBQ! If bars are more your thing, Nottingham can offer plenty of these too – a personal favourite of mine is underground Coco Tang, offering a variety of cocktail concoctions: be sure to try the M&M cocktail – I’m still trying to figure out how it tastes like M&M’s even though

an

average

rate

of

weekly £79

in

However, these prices

fares as the bars and clubs are on your doorstep; regardless of whether you’re studying at the University of Nottingham or Trent, there are cheap and frequent bus services to all campuses.

10 6

NOT TINGHAM CIT Y GUIDE

BEESTON Just a couple of miles from the city

house; while in the evening it is a

centre, with a regular bus service and

bistro, which, in its own words, hopes

A

its own mini-centre (Central Avenue)

to “transport you to a little corner of the

place, recently growing in

offering a variety of bars and restaurants,

continent”.

this residential area is extremely popular

ACCOMMODATION relatively

popularity

undiscovered

with

students,

Finally, if you like Greek food, you

rental rates are on par with Lenton

should definitely pay Yiannis a visit;

at £64 – but the area is much safer.

it offers classic Greek dishes, from

Satisfaction rates are 56% but, again,

Moussaka

Souvlaki

this is probably due to the fact that

of

and Spanikopita. Live Greek music is

Beeston is a fairly new area that

cafés,

played on Sundays, and there’s even

students

a

an outdoor terrace for when the sun’s

drastically increase (along with the

Sainsbury’s and Tesco on High Road.

shining (which rarely happens, but you

rental rates!) in the coming years. The

Stretching to the edge of neighbouring

never know!).

transport, again, rates high at 7/10 –

Chilwell, Beeston offers an alternative

NIGHT LIFE

with students, as it’s close to the Clifton campus of Trent University.

PLACES TO EAT Host

to

a

selection

high-street

brands,

restaurants

and

even

to venturing into the city centre.

and

Stifado

to

are

discovering;

this

will

a bus takes half an hour to get to the city centre –, although the nightlife was

A relatively undiscovered area

only voted 4/10, which is fair enough,

for students, many families also

as it is quiet in the evening, and not

a friendly atmosphere with a range of

reside in Beeston, so a night out

comparable with the city centre or West

sandwiches and cakes – an alternative

here is fairly low-key and quiet. Whilst

to the nearby chains of ‘Café Nerro’

restaurants such as Belle & Jerome are

and

A

open late for drinks, there are more

few months ago, Relish opened its

pubs where you can enjoy a quiet night;

doors until 10pm on Friday nights for

favourites include The Cadland on High

Mediterranean-themed meals.

Road and The Corn Mill, which offers a

Belle and Jerome (with a second branch

pub quiz every Monday evening, and live

in West Bridgford) is an eatery with

music every last Friday of the month.

If it’s lunch you’re after, Relish offers

Nottingham-based

‘Birds’.

a difference – during the day it is an independent European-inspired coffee

Bridgford.

10 8

NOT TINGHAM CIT Y GUIDE

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A STUDENT T H E P E R F E C T D AY If I were to describe a perfect day in

interesting, with an actual court room

One thing I do love about Nottingham,

Nottingham; it would start off with

inside which was used during the

and make sure I come back for is Goose

breakfast at home before venturing

Victorian-era; in addition to a real-life

Fair, held in the first week of October.

into town around 11am to meet up

Victorian jail – the yard where prisoners

For five days, the Forest Recreation

with friends. I would start off with a

exercised has dates chiselled into the

Ground in Hyson Green (a five minute

bit of shopping – the shops have gone

walls, where they counted down the

tram ride from the city centre) is

downhill over the last few years, but

days until their release!

transformed into a huge fairground –

we do have a good Zara and Topshop, and Victoria Centre is currently being renovated, due to be completed in winter 2015.

In the evening, I would go out for a few cocktails – probably Coco Tang followed

by Dogma if I’m with my friends; or if it’s me and my mum we’d go to Saltwater,

I’m a huge lover of cake, so I’d probably

or maybe even Nicholson’s in the Hilton

go to Pudding Pantry or White Rabbit for

which I can confirm serves the best Pina

lunch! I’m originally from Nottingham,

Coladas!

and having moved to Manchester to go to University, I really enjoy coming back home and doing the occasional sightseeing – a personal favourite is the Galleries of Justice. I went for the first time when I was eight and it’s so

yes, the prices may be high, but the atmosphere is great, it’s a great way to spend an evening and it reminds me of how excited I was to go when I was a child!

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1 10

NOT TINGHAM CIT Y GUIDE

WHERE IT’S AT...

CITY CENTRE PUDDING PANTRY 27/29 Trinity Square, NG1 4AF

WHITE RABBIT Bridlesmith Walk, NG1 2HB

ANNIE’S BURGER SHACK 5 Broadway, Lace Market, NG1 1PR

LONG ISLAND AMERICAN DINER Alexandra House, 26/28 Market Street, NG1 6HW

ROCK CITY 8 Talbot Street, NG1 5GG

FORUM The Cornerhouse, Burton Street, NG1 4AA

STEALTH

BELLE & JEROME

YIANNIS

High Pavement, Lace Market, NG1 1HN

33/35 Central Avenue, West Bridgford, NG2 5GQ

132 Wollaton Road, NG9 2PE

Goldsmith Street, NG1 5JT

WEST BRIDGFORD

LENTON

COCO TANG

THE PARLOUR

ANDREW’S FISH BAR

Goldsmith Street, NG1 5JT

RESCUE ROOMS

45 Bridlesmith Gate, NG1 2GR

DOGMA

GALLERIES OF JUSTICE

Van Gaver House, 48/50 Bridgford Road, NG2 6AP

9 Byard Lane, NG1 2GJ

MUD CRAB CAFÉ

SALTWATER

3 Central Avenue, West Bridgford, NG2 5GQ

The Cornerhouse, Forman Street, NG1 4AA

NICHOLSONS Hilton Hotel Milton Street, NG1 3PZ

VICTORIA SHOPPING CENTRE 222 Victoria Centre, NG1 3QN

FIRE & ICE 40 Bridgford Road, West Bridgford, NG2 6AP

THE MONKEY TREE 70 Bridgford Road, West Bridgford, NG2 6AP

10 Lenton Boulevard, Lenton,NG7 2ES

TOPS PIZZA & FRIED CHICKEN 195 Alfreton Road, NG7 3NW

BEESTON RELISH 90/94 Chilwell Road, NG9 1ES

BELLE & JEROME 66 High Road, NG9 2LF

THE CADLAND 342 High Road, NG9 5EG

THE CORN MILL Swiney Way, NG9 6GX

HYSON GREEN GOOSE FAIR Forest Recreation Ground, Gregory Boulevard, NG7 6HB

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112

WHAT YOUR DEGREE SAYS ABOUT YOU

WHAT YOUR DEGREE SAYS ABOUT YOU 1. MEDICINE

4. POLITICS

7. MATHS

When people first think of medics, they

Also a career-minded type, the politics

Maths students will definitely have heard

will often think of their amazing ability

student is often an expert networker.

all the stereotypes relating to 'boring' or

to drink copious amounts and still go

Although you are probably sick of being

'slightly odd' maths enthusiasts; maybe

to lectures the next day. Of course, if

asked if you want to become Prime

some do fit into that mould, but many

you're a medic, you're probably very

Minster, your interest in politics will

others try to break the stereotype by

clever, as getting into university to

often infuriate friends who care little

going hard rather than going home.

do it is hard enough; and then you

about 5-point swings and Lords Reform.

Often seen at a 9am lecture, looking

have to handle the massive workload!

Although not seen as quite as caring as

5. ENGINEERING

sorry for yourself – chances are you won't finish until 6pm!

a degree in nursing, you still get points

The future is bright for engineers – the

for choosing a career that helps people

chances are you'll earn a lot of money

when they need it most.

after you have finished university (which

Be honest, in all likelihood you love

is fair enough considering the enormous

sports – and are probably very good at

2. GEOGRAPHY

8. SPORTS SCIENCE

amount of contact hours that you're put

the one (or many) you have chosen. In

studying

through). You're also the most practical

fact, in all likelihood, you play that sport

geography will have heard the well-

of the Sciences, so you'll have no

for your university. So you've followed

worn stereotype of geography being

problem putting IKEA furniture together.

your passion into the classroom – not

It

is

likely

that

anyone

mostly colouring in. But there is more to you than just that! Whether you

6. LAW

a bad idea if you want to get a great degree!

prefer physical or human geography,

Very often, you'll be the kind of person

chances are your interest lies in the

who takes arguments way too seriously,

world around you, and that in turn

bringing up cases that no one has

You're probably sick of telling people

makes you a very interesting person.

ever heard of (and no one ever will)

that, no, you don't know what you

Most geography students love to travel,

to back you up. When you signed up

want to do with your life yet and, no,

which is lucky considering some of the

to do law, you probably had grand

you don't want to be a teacher. You

amazing field trips you get.

ambitions of saving the world through

also find it annoying when people rib

being a human rights' lawyer – you've

you about having so few contact hours.

probably realised by now that you will

What they don't understand is that you

If you are a business student, you are

probably sell your soul to a commercial

spend a lot of your time thinking and

likely to have your eye on the prize

law company! Either way, lawyers tend

reading – that's the most important bit!

– your ambition knows no bounds.

to be massively intelligent, and very

Furthermore, you probably give a great

ambitious; but the ultimate goal is to

speech, even on short notice, which will

help people, so kudos to you.

3. BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

9. ENGLISH

10. JOURNALISM With your finger ever on the pulse,

be accompanied by a flawless Power

budding journalists will never miss a

Point presentation – no flipboards or

deadline. You've got a keen eye for

clock-wipes for you!

detail (grammar mistakes never get past you) and tend to know all of the gossip, though no one ever quite knows how.

If there's a university newspaper, you'll almost certainly be involved in writing and editing it – maybe even more than one!

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1 14

PORTSMOUTH CIT Y GUIDE

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116

PORTSMOUTH CIT Y GUIDE

CITY CENTRE The city centre is the hub for the

Fresco dining, where you can sit and

students of Portsmouth. The buzzing

watch the world go by. In the evenings,

Rents

Guildhall Square is a stone’s throw from

I would recommend booking a table to

average around £80 a week

the University Quarter and is nestled

avoid disappointment, as it does get

between the University Library, sports

very busy!

are either a short distance from the

NIGHT LIFE

University Library or Guildhall Square,

fields and student housing. The steps of the Guildhall, where you’ll graduate, are perfect for sitting and eating your lunch on a sunny day.

PLACES TO EAT

If a boogie is what you’re after, look no further than Popworld.

This lively venue plays all of your old favourites, offers 4 shots for £8,

Look out for The Coffee Cup

cocktails on Wednesdays to Saturdays

in Guildhall Square; a pop-

and has an overall friendly atmosphere.

up coffee shop with plenty of

For more alternative music nights,

outdoor seating under the trees, perfect

head to The Astoria. Having opened its

for a snack in between lectures. If it’s

doors in the historic Palace Theatre in

coffee and cake that’s on your mind,

2013, this novel nightclub hosts many

the Guildhall itself houses a café with

student events featuring guest DJs and

student-friendly prices, such as the

house music extravaganzas. And the

tempting homemade cake and hot drink

party doesn’t have to end there; other

combo for £3.00. If you’ve skipped

venues are a mere 5-minute walk away

breakfast for those 9 o’clock lectures,

at Gunwharf Quays.

you can even pick a bacon sandwich.

For more relaxed nights out, be sure to

My favourite independent in the city

check out The Fleet; a live music bar

centre is Le Café Parisien. Located

with bands playing on the last Friday

between the University Library and

of every month. It also hosts Thursday

Guildhall Square, and packed full of

night pub quizzes, BBQ Fridays and

students, this is the place for those who

occasionally runs open-mic nights for

love everything related to art, food and

Portsmouth’s new talent.

culture. Le Parisien holds many special events and discussion evenings, and exhibits the work of local artists. The café’s standout feature for me is its Al

ACCOMMODATION in

the

city

centre

per room. Many properties

which

is

especially

desirable

for

students! Even better, the University Quarter is never far away, only 5-10 minutes’ walk. It is a highly sought-after area and no wonder: the students living here score the nightlife and general facilities a sparkling 9/10, while feeling of community is scored at 8/10.

117

GUNWHARF QUAYS

SOUTHSEA

Gunwharf Quays marks the beginning

uniquely-themed dance floors, Tiger

Just south of the city centre, the

of the historic dockyard of the city and

Tiger is the perfect option for those

Southsea area comes to life in the early

is home to the iconic Spinnaker Tower.

nights when you don’t feel like making

summer months. When exams are over,

Just 5 minutes’ walk west of the city

up your mind. Our favourite is Groovy

we head down to the beach, Southsea

centre, the Quays are filled with shops,

Wonderland as it plays upbeat disco well

Common for barbeques and to the beer

a cinema, bowling alley, and bars,

into the night. If dancing isn’t for you,

gardens of our favourite pubs. It’s a

restaurants and nightclubs galore.

check out the schedule at Jongleurs,

unique, friendly area with a real sense

which is packed with comedy and live

of community – and filled with fellow

music nights.

students! We love Southsea for its bars,

PLACES TO EAT At the base of the Spinnaker Tower, you can find a coffee

In November, look out for the fireworks

shop with panoramic views of

display on the marina. You can watch

the marina. I find this is a great place to

from a number of locations along the

take visiting family members as they can

waterfront, but the best view is from

catch up with you whilst experiencing

end of Broad Street in Old Portsmouth,

one of the city’s best features. Around

just around the bay.

the corner from the Tower is Bar 38, a

ACCOMMODATION

student favourite with heaps of outdoor seating. If you’re after something a bit different, check out the Aspex art gallery café and their selection of homemade cakes. They also offer free WIFI- ideal for doing a bit of essay research!

NIGHT LIFE

is

Room rents per week come in between £87 and £94 and are snapped up, with being so close to the university and nightlife. Like the city centre, living

to get the night started in

all your amenities are within walking

Gunwharf. My pick for cocktails

distance, which means spending less

with the housemates is Las Iguanas. We

money on public transportation, taxis or

enjoy celebrating birthdays with 2-for-1

running your own car.

popular clubs in Gunwharf. With seven

drinks every Monday and visit Indian restaurant Bombay Express at 1am.

Southsea offers the ultimate student

PLACES TO EAT Step into Rosie’s Vineyard for, you guessed it, wine,

in this cosmopolitan area.

centrally in Portsmouth means that

we head to Tiger Tiger, one of the most

and grab a loyalty card for money off

found

There are a number of bars

cocktails during Happy Hour. Afterwards,

deals. Head over to the One Eyed Dog

experience.

Perhaps the most expensive accommodation

late-night restaurants and great student

live

music

and

a

great

atmosphere. My favourite dish is the duck with cherry and orange glaze and really is a place reserved for special occasions. I would highly recommend celebrating graduation here with your friends.

118

PORTSMOUTH CIT Y GUIDE

For lunch, my two favourites can be found in Southsea. The Tenth Hole, for cake-lovers, is located next to the area’s 9-hole golf course. The second, The Garage Lounge, is on Albert Road at the heart of the student district and the street off which many student properties are located. Set in a

WHERE IT’S AT...

renovated car garage, this quaint café is filled with mismatch furniture, delicious sandwiches and plenty of character.

ACCOMMODATION Living in Southsea is the cheapest option available to

THE COFFEE CUP Guildhall Square PO1 2AB

SPINNAKER TOWER Gunwharf Quays PO1 3TT

ONE EYED DOG 117-185 Elm Grove PO5 1LU

students – rents average £74

CAFÉ GUILDHALL

per week –but it is no less removed

Guildhall Square (entrance on King Henry I Street)

BAR 38

ROSIE’S VINEYARD

Boulevard Building PO1 3TW

87 Elm Grove PO5 1JF

LE CAFÉ PARISIEN

ASPEX GALLERY

THE GARAGE LOUNGE

from the excitement of the city centre.

Instead, Albert Road is a great alternative to the clubs of the city centre and is ideally located for Southsea shops. Taxis to the city centre are still fairly cheap and a bus service to Guildhall runs frequently.

1-13 Lord Montgomery Way PO1 2AH

POPWORLD AND THE FLEET 1 King Henry I Street PO1 2PT

The Vulcan Building PO1 3BF

1 Albert Road PO5 2SP

LAS IGUANAS

THE TENTH HOLE

East Side Plaza PO1 3SY

TIGER TIGER Gunwharf Road PO1 3TP

Eastern Parade Southsea PO4 9RF

1 19

D L E I F F E H S E D I U G Y T I C

“ IT’S RARE TO MEET A SHEFFIELD STUDENT WHO DOESN’T LOVE THEIR CITY.”

1 20

SHEFFIELD CIT Y GUIDE

CITY CENTRE Big enough to keep you busy, but

Other excellent choices include: Smoke

on the cheapness of the ‘quad-vods’

small enough to feel like home almost

BBQ, for decadent cuisine from the

or ‘coloured pints’: four measures of

instantly, the city centre is the number

deep South; Cubana, for tapas; and

vodka with a mixer. Although these

one destination for food, nights out and

Tamper Coffee on West Street, which is

were banned in late 2013, the quad

shopping in Sheffield.

widely acknowledged to be the number

vod essentially lives on - with bar staff

one

serving two doubles with an extra cup,

PLACES TO EAT The city centre boasts more eateries

than

you’re

ever

destination

for

Sheffield-based

caffeine fiends.

or a triple measure with a separate shot. It is fantastically awful and not to

NIGHT LIFE Many

societies

university days and has something for

West

Street/Carver

Street

My personal opinion, however, is that

all. Beyond your standard chains, there

bar crawls, which in the past

the best nights you’ll ever have in

are many gems that reside only in the

often started with a trip to Basement.

Sheffield will be spent in West Street

Steel City and almost always deliver a

Sadly, this club (home of the ‘five

Live. Learning to love this bar is a bit

more unique and satisfying experience

pound round: 1 Jagerbomb, 1 double,

like growing to love olives: you need

for your money.

1VK, 1 shot of sambuca) has recently

a few rounds of exposure before you

been taken over and is no more. Lovers

can appreciate the true beauty of

of chart music however are certain to

its weirdness. With its vast array of

love Paris, Crystal and Viper Rooms - a

ridiculously cheap drinks (£2 choco

trio which practically always feature on

milkos, which are essentially alcoholic

these nights!

Nesquiks, are a popular choice), feel-

For fans of burgers, your best bet is The Harley, which serves up a frequently updated menu of puntastically-titled burgers. The highlight is the ‘Return of the Mac’, a burger featuring not only

will

host

be missed!

likely to need throughout your

the UK’s first patty made entirely from

Your Wednesday night destination will

bacon, but also a hearty portion of mac

depend largely on whether or not you’re

and cheese; i.e meaty, carby heaven. If

part of a sports team. If so, then you

you walk a little further into town, you

will inevitably be ending up in Roar

will find Bungalows and Bears, which is

(or Crystal if you go to Hallam) in

also known for its burgers and has a

some sort of fancy dress. Teams tend

2-4-1 deal on Tuesdays.

to claim specific territories within the

The Blue Moon Cafe offers the most comprehensive vegetarian and vegan menu in the city centre and also

good music and a colourful array of utterly mad Sheffield locals, this bar may at first seem like a run-down venue that smells slightly of onions when, in reality, it is so much more than that just trust me on this one.

ACCOMMODATION

Union, which adds to the tribal feel

Although you’d think living

that comes with the night. If you aren’t

in the city centre would be

part of a team, the night can be slightly

ideal

for

students

craving

unbearable- which means it is time to

easy access to the local nightlife, most

don your school uniform and head to

will opt to live further afield. This is

Corp, Sheffield’s most notorious club

largely due to pricing, with the average

night.

weekly rent coming in at a costly £83.

delivers a serene, hippy vibe. The food

Rumoured to be the inspiration behind

For students who feel that the centre

is honest and well portioned, with a

the Arctic Monkey’s ‘Stickin to the

is the place for them, however, West

large selection of cakes and delicious

Floor’, Wednesday nights at Corp are

One accommodation offers particularly

coffee.

renowned for their debauchery. You’ll

chic flats.

benefits from its unique interior; with extremely high ceilings, painted to replicate the building’s original auctionhouse decor, the restaurant is airy and

be blaming most of your antics here

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122

SHEFFIELD CIT Y GUIDE

ECCLESALL ROAD

however, as the majority of their

lower the average rent - falling from

peers will gravitate towards Broomhill,

£70 in Crookesmoor to £63 in Crookes.

Crookes and Crookesmoor.

Properties in this area really do range in quality, so try and make sure you rent

Big enough to keep you busy, but small enough to feel like home almost instantly, the city centre is the number one destination for food, nights out and

with a company or landlord that seems

CROOKESMOOR / CROOKES

professional and likely to take seriously any issues you may raise. There is always a manic rush for houses in the first term, but a surplus of student

shopping in Sheffield.

The most popular location for University

housing in the area means there’s no

of Sheffield students moving from first-

need to panic - don’t let a hasty choice

Eccy Road’s Fancie is the

year halls. Although Crookesmoor and

mean you miss your dream house!

perfect

girlie

Crookes have nothing on Ecclesall for

lunchtime meet up and is

bars and restaurants, there is still a lively

PLACES TO EAT place

for

a

home to the most delicious cupcakes in Sheffield. For those with less of a sweet tooth, there is an extensive breakfast

pub scene and plenty of delis around.

PLACES TO EAT

and lunch menu, with an option to

The New York Deli is situated

order half-sized portions of main meals,

at the top of Crookesmoor

which works well for student budgeting.

and can provide you with

This area is also a handy if you have family visiting, with restaurants like Nonna’s Italian or the Graze Inn serving incredible food (the gnocchi at Nonna’s is the best I’ve ever had) but being slightly costly for a student budget.

NIGHT LIFE This area won’t be your first choice for a big night out, but it does have numerous bars if you fancy a sophisticated pre-drinks session. Most offer happy hour deals of some description - it might be an idea to plan a mini bar crawl of the area to pick your favourite early on!

ACCOMMODATION

all you need on a hangover morning: paninis, bagels, amazing hash browns and a random selection of American

of cafes, supermarkets and pubs.

PLACES TO EAT Nottingham House, which is

- one of the best Indian restaurants in

the place to go for comfort

Sheffield. Although they don’t deliver,

food near to halls. Their pies are

there is an option to pick up. It is well

amazing and rivalled only by the Old

worth the walk.

House, which is much further into town.

NIGHT LIFE

Eating an Indian at Balti King after a

Students living in the Crookes and Crookesmoor areas will start most evenings out with a lengthy pre-drinks session at someone’s house. After that, it’s around £5 for a cab into town. This is pretty much your only option as there is zero nightlife in - with the Hallamshire House being the

can, for some, be the perfect

best of the lot.

Ecclesall Road may feel slightly isolated,

Broomhill benefits from an abundance

and jellybeans. Next-door is the Rajput

of £74, living on Eccy Road

Sheffield students who chose to live on

Sheffield first-year halls are situated,

Broomhill

this area apart from a few decent pubs

and excellent amenities. University of

The area in which the University of

imports, including marshmallow fluff

With an average weekly rent

compromise between a decent price

BROOMHILL

home

to

night out is a rite of passage for Sheffield students and it will often be rampacked and rowdy between the hours of two and four am. If you’re looking for a quicker fix, Broomhill Friery is the way to go. It’s owned by the minor local celebrity Dan Bean (cousin of Sean Bean), who never fails to capitalise on his family ties. If you want a Boromir burger or a portion of ‘Lord of the onion rings’ (and who wouldn’t...), you’ll be in

ACCOMMODATION Unsurprisingly,

is

the right place. the

further

away from Uni you live, the

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1 24

SHEFFIELD CIT Y GUIDE

NIGHT LIFE Broomhill may not be a clubber’s dream, but it’s heaven for those who love a pub quiz. The York, Fox and Duck, and Notty House all have weekly competitions - perfect for those initial flat-bonding sessions.

PLACES TO EAT

AND FINALLY...

Although it’s rare to meet a Sheffield student who doesn’t love their city, sometimes the most memorable days can be made by escaping it entirely, jumping on a bus or train and heading

At £71 a week, rent is the Broomhill

into the Peak District. In summer, you

area is very reasonable and often seems

can swim in the reservoirs of Lady

to be the first port of call for students

Bower (slightly chilly, admittedly!) or as

wanting to rent in particularly large

winter draws in you can wrap up warm

groups. The shops are very close and

and go for lunch at the Fox House

food shopping has been made cheaper

pub. Eating at the Grindleford cafe is a

through a new Sainsbury’s local moving

distinctly Northern experience and there

in (you’ll find one every 10 metres or so

is an easy walk to the neighbouring

in Sheffield!). Learn to love Fruit Appeal

Hathersage, which has its own open-air

though - everyone that works there is

swimming pool.

incredibly friendly and your money will go a lot further there!

125

WHERE IT’S AT...

BALTI KING

FANCIE

216 Fulwood Road, S10 3BB

359-361 Ecclesall Road, S11 8PF

BLUE MOON CAFE

THE GRAZE INN

2 St James Row, S1 2EW

315-319 Ecclesall Road, S11 8NX

BROOMHILL FRIERY

THE GREAT GATSBY

197 Whitham Road, S10 2SP

73-75 Division St, S1 4GE

BUNGALOWS AND BEARS The Old Fire Station, Division Street, S1 4GF

CORPORATION 2 Milton Street S1 4JU

CUBANA Leopold Square S1 2JG

THE HARLEY 334 Glossop Road, S10 2HW

THE NEW YORK DELI 6 Commonside S10 1GB

NONNA’S 537-541 Ecclesall Road, S11 8PR

THE NOTTINGHAM HOUSE 164 Whitham Road, S10 1SR

RAJPUT 4 Commonside S10 1GB

SMOKE BBQ 1 St Pauls Place, Arundel Gate, S1 2NB

TAMPER COFFEE SELLERS WHEEL 149 Arundel Street S1 2NU

WEST STREET LIVE 128 West Street S1 4ES

126

SOUTHAMPTON CIT Y GUIDE

N O T P M A H T SOU E D I U G Y T I C

“ THE NIGHTLIFE IN SOUTHAMPTON CITY CENTRE IS PERHAPS ATTUNED FOR THE MORE SERIOUS CLUBBERS.”

127

CITY CENTRE

PORTSWOOD cringey) mixture of 80s’ and 90s’ tunes,

The mile-long High Street is teeming

Head down past the High

which are perfect for breaking the ice at

with a great selection of places to eat,

Street and you’ll come across

socials. If you’re happy to venture

drink and be merry; from the famous

an array of quality bars and

even

PLACES TO EAT

further

afield,

then

Oceana

restaurants, including the highly-rated

Southampton – the biggest club in

Indian restaurant, Coriander. If your

the UK and the annual venue for the

budget can stretch a little further,

University of Southampton’s Graduation

continue to Ocean Village. With its

Ball – puts on student nights every

stunning views across Southampton’s

Wednesday.

recently-renovated harbour, it boasts Banana Wharf for a sit-down meal; or Pitcher & Piano, a great place for a post-uni drink.

Southampton

from

several

quality Mexican food in the atmospheric La Baronia. Portswood’s most recent addition, Sula’s Greek Taverna, does excellent gyros wraps – with lots of recently

been

awarded

an

alcohol

live music venues scattered all across

license, so you can enjoy a glass of wine

the city. The Brook, the Talking Heads

while you’re there.

and the Bent Brief are all towards the Highfield area, whilst the Cellar,

of chain restaurants around the Oxford

Lennon’s and the Joiners Arms – voted

Street area - Prezzo, Pizza Express,

the UK’s Best Small Live Music Venue

Chimichanga - are handy if you fancy a

– are all within walking distance of the

quick, non-fussy meal; but the plethora

centre. The O2 Guildhall Southampton

of good-quality independent eateries

regularly hosts a diverse mixture of

there are enough to warrant a visit. La

high-profile acts.

ever eaten, with their huge selection and

BBC2’s The Restaurant Man) to high-

vegetarian options available. It has benefits

Venture slightly north and the choice

Esquina does some of the best tapas I’ve

7Bone Burger Co. (as featured on

ACCOMMODATION

The ever-popular Trago Lounge, situated at the bottom of Highfield Lane and the very start of Portswood High Street, does a great selection of tea and cakes as well as a diverse menu, including vegan and gluten-free options. For something sweet, where else could you head except Sprinkles Gelato? Their vast array of ice creams and sorbets – not

friendly waiting staff ready to welcome

With average rents of £80

to mention the mouth-watering crepes

you. Similarly, the Oxford Brasserie is

per week, the central areas of

and waffles with every topping under

Southampton are perhaps a

the sun – ensure that this tiny dessert

always teeming with customers.

NIGHTS OUT

little pricey. However, there’s no denying that location is key; what you spend

The nightlife in Southampton

on rent, you might save on transport

city centre is perhaps attuned

or amenities. Whilst perhaps not so

for the more serious clubbers.

handy for University of Southampton

Bedford Place is a favourite with both

students, whose campuses are a little

universities, especially during Freshers’

further afield, the satisfaction rating of

Week; its vast array of clubs provide a

67% indicates that the city centre could

good-quality night out without breaking

be an ideal place for those studying at

the bank. Orange Rooms is always

Southampton Solent.

parlour is busy well into the night.

NIGHTS OUT No night out to Portswood would be complete without a trip to either Jesters – recently voted the worst club in the UK – or its next-door rival, So:Bar. With cheap drink deals on an almost nightly basis, the stickiest floors in history and cheesy

a safe bet, with a chance to win the

music to match, do not go to either of

door money every Tuesday as well

these places (especially Jesters) wearing

as regular great guest DJ sets from

anything remotely nice; it WILL get

the likes of Totally Enormous Extinct

ruined!

Dinosaurs and Skepta. Just around

For a more relaxed night, many of the

the corner, PopWorld plays a great (if

restaurants and eateries along the High

128

SOUTHAMPTON CIT Y GUIDE

PORTSWOOD

POLYGON

Street possess good bars where you can

PLACES TO EAT

If you fancy being a little more

grab a drink without having to buy a

Situated a couple of minutes’

adventurous, why not head a little

meal. Wild Lime, a recent addition to

walk

further into the city and pay a Friday

Portswood’s bar scene, does two-for-

Bedford Place, there is a

from

the

vibrant

night

visit

to

Voodoo

Lounge

on

one cocktails every day of the week;

plentiful selection of traditional English

Vincents Walk. Their multiple dance

and The Hobbit – now infamous for its

pubs, quirky eateries and good value

floors

legal fight to keep its name – is the

restaurants around the Polygon area. The

are a definite lure for Southampton’s

perfect place to pick up a ‘Lord of the

Caribbean-inspired Turtle Bay – located

student population. Slightly closer to

Rings’ themed drink!

by the O2 Guildhall – is a firm favourite

home is the innovative and fun Café

Accommodation

with students from both universities for

Parfait. Don’t be fooled by its name;

its inspired menu and great selection

this multi-level club hosts a plethora of

of cocktails; whilst popular nightclubs,

interestingly-themed nights.

Orange Rooms and Vodka Revs, also

ACCOMMODATION

With an average rental price of £68 per week and a huge choice of accommodation, Portswood is an ideal area in which to find a house or flat.

From the numerous bars, pubs and restaurants to a Sainsbury’ superstore and all the University facilities nearby, Portswood offers many things a student could need.

boast extensive daytime menus. The

full English breakfasts to patisserie cakes and scones.

NIGHTS OUT

drinks

69% for the Polygon and

to none, and is just one of the many ingredients to prepare everything from

reasonably-priced

The high average rating of

hot chocolate at Café Creme is second places nearby that use locally-sourced

and

Bedford Place area reflects the diversity of the student lifestyle and its proximity to both universities, as well as the area’s numerous clubs and cafés. With good transport links to most parts of the city via the UniLink

With the Polygon area situated

buses and BlueStar lines, the Polygon

so close to the main clubs and

is a good area to live for a true student

bars of Bedford Place, ease of

experience. Weekly house rental prices

access for a memorable night out is

tend to be around £70, which is fairly

really no issue, as most accommodation

good

will be within walking distance.

central location.

value

considering

the

area’s

Unilife Your space, your way ations

loc Two amazing Southampton Opened 2013 - Park House,

eet Above Bar Street and High Str

Beautifully designed, extremely well-thought-out, and packed with useful features and services, Unilife properties are, quite simply, in a class on their own when it comes to student accommodation.

They’re also in brilliant locations, really close to the university, local amenities and public transport.

- Free, unlimited, high-speed Wi-Fi - On site gym and movie room* - Secure entry phone systems and 24-hour recorded CCTV - Well equipped kitchen area - Ensuite shower rooms - Comfy double bed with under bed storage - Laundry and cleaning facilities - 32’’ Smart TV in all Studios.

Call us to arrange a viewing. We’d love to show you around. facebook.com/unilifestudent Email us at yourspace@unilife.co.uk call us on 0845 5195 100, visit us online and watch our students. twitter.com/Unilifestudent dent

stu @Unilife unilifestu

dent

www.youtube.com/Unilifestudent

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* Park House location

130

SOUTHAMPTON CIT Y GUIDE

WHERE IT’S AT...

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PIZZA EXPRESS 31-32 Oxford St SO14 3DJ

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CHIMICHANGA 48 Oxford St SO14 3DP

LA ESQUINA 40 Oxford St SO14 3DP

LA BARONIA 29-31 Portswood Road, SO17 2ET

SULA’S 116 Portswood Road SO17 2FY

TRAGO LOUNGE 190-192 Portswood Rd, SO17 2LB

THE HOBBIT 134 Bevois Valley Rd SO14 0JZ

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1 32

WOLVERHAMPTON CIT Y GUIDE

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134

WOLVERHAMPTON CIT Y GUIDE

CITY CENTRE

CHAPEL ASH Another great venue to check out is The

Considered Wolverhampton’s bohemian

Wolverhampton has a broad

Prince Albert, situated next to the city’s

quarter, Chapel Ash is full of culture.

and diverse range of places to

train station. This Victorian mansion is

With several art shops and galleries, as

eat; whether it’s the familiar

one of the city’s best venues. With three

well as independent shops, restaurants

sight of your favourite chain restaurant,

floors, VIP booths, a heated terrace and

and café’s, Chapel Ash is a great choice

or quirky independent eateries, you can

world famous DJ’s hitting the decks, it’s

for students.

always bank on finding something to

definitely worth checking out!

suit your tastes.

If you’re looking for a more relaxed

Bank’s

In the last year, Wolverhampton has

evening, head to The Dog and Doublet.

restaurant

gained some great new restaurants

Opened in May 2014, this unique night

by local press and the public for its

and cafes, including our first ever

spot combines a traditional pub playing

delicious food ranging from Japanese,

sushi restaurant, ISO Sushi, as well as

indie and soul with an outdoor cocktail

Indian, European and British. It’s a small

the awesomely titled Cool Runnings

bar (the best cocktails in Wolverhampton

but very cosy place, so book early if you

Jamaican café.

if you ask me), and regular jazz and

can!

WHERE TO EAT

Old favourites, such as Café Maxsim on Darlington Street, serve the best tapas I’ve ever tasted, and if you fancy a taste of Italy, then head to Rosso e Nero for

acoustic nights. This place really hits the spot if you’re seeking something a bit different.

If it’s coffee and a cake you’re after, in history, this quirky little place is Wolverhampton’s oldest former public house, dating back to 1760. It also serves delicious cakes!

always

been known for its diverse nightlife, and it definitely lives up to its name! No matter what your scene, Wolverhampton has it covered.

Probably the most student-friendly pub in the city is the Royal London. With its cheap drinks and student theme nights, there’s always something different going on, topped off with an eclectic mix of indie, punk, hip hop and electro beats to make sure everyone’s happy!

a has

relatively been

new

praised

If you have a craving for something sweet, Baked in Tettenhall is where 16 months, this incredible bakery selling everything from artisan sourdough bread

cost of £69, Wolverhampton

to apple crumble tarts has appeared on

offers real value for money.

ITV’s Britain’s Best Bakery, so you’ll be

transport,

nightlife,

shopping,

and accommodation all rated a 6/10 or above, Wolverhampton offers you a big city experience, but without the five-minute walk from the city centre,

has

that

is

With an average weekly rental

high cost. The Halls of Residence are a

A NIGHT OUT Wolverhampton

With

Bistro

you need to go! After trading for only

ACCOMMODATION

the finest Italian cuisine.

head to Madame Clarkes. Steeped

PLACES TO EAT

and frequent buses run all day, so you’ll never miss a thing.

tasting some of the best cakes in the country!

ACCOMMODATION Rental prices are lower in Chapel Ash than the city centre, averaging £44 per week. You get a lot more bang for your buck here, and it’s only a five-minute walk to the city centre.

136

WOLVERHAMPTON CIT Y GUIDE

CITY CENTRE Wednesfield is Wolverhampton’s biggest sub-district and boasts a retail park

DAY IN THE LIFE OF A STUDENT - MY PERFECT DAY

with shops, a cinema, bowling alley and arcades, swimming pool and gym; perfect for a student!

PLACES TO EAT Cosmo, a premium buffet-style

My perfect day would start with a trip to Wolverhampton Art Gallery with friends.

Our art gallery is home to some fantastic artwork spanning the last 300 years. It also houses ever-changing contemporary exhibitions and a brilliant Pop Art gallery

restaurant with a wide range of

including works by Andy Warhol and David Hockney.

cuisines including Vietnamese,

After a quick coffee break in the gallery’s coffee shop, it’s time for a bit of shopping! I

Chinese and Italian as well as a Teriyaki

love visiting House of Fraser, with its three floors full of clothing, makeup, jewellery

grill and a sushi bar, is a real hit with the

and lots more. It also has a brow bar and café; pure retail therapy!

locals and very reasonably priced.

Lunch would be at Lock Works Café. Set in what used to be a lock-makers factory,

Wolverhampton is famous for its curries

it still has the original cobbled floors. They do fair trade drinks, homemade food,

and at Masala Lounge you’ll know why.

and there’s always live music or an art exhibition to take in a bit of culture at the

A delicious fusion of traditional Indian

same time.

dishes with a contemporary twist, Masala Lounge is perfect for winding down with a curry and a beer.

ACCOMMODATION Wednesfield scored 54% for student satisfaction and has an average weekly rent of £65, making it cheaper than living in the city whilst still having all the amenities and attractions nearby. With buses running every nine minutes during the day, Wednesfield is definitely a good choice for students.

If it were summer, I’d definitely head to Chapel Ash where the Junction Festival takes place; a collection of live music, street art, exhibitions and lots more. Local art is exhibited in all of the shops and cafes on the high street, while live art installations and dancers perform for three days. It’s really good fun and I never miss it.

In the evening I’d meet friends at the Dog and Doublet and sit on the terrace drinking cocktails and taking in the scene. Then it would be on to The Gifford Arms for some good old indie-rock so we can all have a dance and make complete fools of ourselves!

1 37

YORK IDE U G Y CIT

“ YORK IS A PERFECT CITY FOR STUDENTS WHO ENJOY BARS AND PUBS.”

138

YORK CIT Y GUIDE

YORK PLACES TO EAT

NIGHTS OUT

ACCOMMODATION

York – a city founded by

York is a perfect city for students

The average weekly rental

Romans in 71 AD – offers a

who enjoy bars and pubs.

cost in York is just £61, while

unique atmosphere that will

Although I have never counted

rents in the city centre are

make every meal a truly unforgettable

them myself, beer lovers claim that the

slightly higher at £67. The city centre

moment. If you fancy a delicious

city lets you enjoy exactly 365 bars, so

has a very good satisfaction rate

cake, Bennett’s Café Bistro, situated

that every day of the year can bring

(72%), scores 7/10 for shops, transport

next to the magnificent York Minster,

some new experiences! The Blue Bell

and facilities, and a strong 9/10 for

is a must! Crumbs Cupcakery also

is certainly one of those magical places

community.

in close proximity to the Minster, is a

that has retained its over-century-old

Heslington Road, situated fairly close to

little heaven for all of us with a sweet

climate and cosy interior. If you feel like

the University (80% satisfaction rate).

tooth! They offer a very wide selection

having a real ale or two while listening

A very good thing about living in York is

of cupcakes and if you are allergic to

to the live music, The Hop is the pub

that, thanks to its relatively small size,

gluten, they have gluten-free sweets

for you. An important word of advice

you can easily get to many places on

on the menu as well! Once in York, it

to Italian cuisine lovers: The Hop has

foot. However, if you feel a bit lazy, you

would be a crime not to try the famous

an authentic stonebaked pizzeria but,

can always take Unibus, which offers

Yorkshire tea; a good way to avoid this

as they do not take reservations, make

very reasonable prices and is free of

wrongdoing is to visit Molly’s Tearooms,

sure to come early enough to find a

charge on campus.

which rightfully received Certificate of

good table!

Excellence 2014.

York is a perfect place for students

Although a small town, York is a place

who prefer a quieter environment and

where you can taste foods from all over

some cultural stimulation. If you are a

the world. If you want to discover new

film lover, you should go to City Screen

tastes, Yak and Yeti Gurkha Restaurant

York; a cinema with three luxurious

with its Nepalese Malekhuko Macha and

screens that shows not only mainstream

Kukhura ko Sapeta should be the first

films, but also arthouse productions and

on your list. If you are less adventurous

satellite transmissions from the National

and would rather try some Central

Theatre. You can also visit York Theatre

European dishes, head to Barbakan

Royal or Grand Opera House, which is

near the ancient city walls and have

currently the largest operational theatre

some delicious pierogi and gołąbki. A

in the county.

restaurant worth visiting by vegeterians (and vegans) is Goji, which ranks first in the city amongst vegetarian students, thanks to a variety of tasty foods and a friendly ambiance. Mushroom burger or aubergine baked with Ppesto are just a couple of dishes that will make you want to come back to Goji many times!

Another

great

spot

is

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14 0

YORK CIT Y GUIDE

WHERE IT’S AT...

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A STUDENT MY PERFECT DAY

BENNET’S CAFÉ THE BLUEBELL AND BISTRO 53 Fossgate

SPRING ESPRESSO

30-32 High

45 Fossgate

Petergate YO1 7EH

Describing a perfect day in York is a tricky task indeed – the town offers so many opportunities that any combination makes for a really great day. If you do not feel like making your own breakfast or have to go to Uni early in the morning, there are countless bars on campus – Da Vinci, V Bar, Edgebar just to name a few, and Courtyard, which is probably the most popular among students.

CRUMBS CUPCAKERY 10 College Street YO1 7JF

to Morrisons or Aldi, but a perfect place to buy some

MOLLY’S TEAROOMS

fresh veggies directly from farmers is certainly the open

41 Stonegate

air market. This has more than 100 stalls and is held daily

YO1 8AW

If some shopping needs to be done, I would probably go

adjacent to York Shambles, an iconic medieval street of York. When the shopping is finally over, I would head to Spring Espresso with friends and relax a bit, enjoying the best coffee in town and a home-made cake. I have always been keen on history, so living in such an ancient place is a blessing! One of the city’s most precious gems is York Minster, the largest gothic cathedral in Northern Europe.

Only when you walk down the Nave gazing at the ceiling can you really notice the hugeness of the building. To learn more about local history, I visited the Castle Museum.

They have reconstructed a whole street from the Victorian era, including all the shops, houses and secret passages – it sometimes feels more like a film set than an ordinary museum! If you are not a faint-hearted person, you will surely enjoy the York Dungeon while coming face-to-face with all the sinister characters from the city’s dark past…

What I really like about York is that it is very sportfriendly. If you happen to be on campus or nearby you can always visit the new York Sport Village, which has a wellequipped gym and a swimming pool. What I personally prefer, however, is to do some bouldering at The Red Goat Climbing Wall – it never gets boring!

YO1 9TF

THE YAK & YETI (GURKHA) RESTAURANT

YO1 9TF

THE HOP 11-12 Fossgate

YORK MINSTER

YO1 9TA

Deangate YO1 7HH

CITY SCREEN PICTUREHOUSE THE YORK YORK DUNGEON 13-17 Coney

12 Clifford

Street

Street

YO1 9QL

YO1 9RD

YORK THEATRE YORK CASTLE ROYAL MUSEUM St Leonard’s

Eye of York

Place

YO1 9RY

YO1 7HD

GRAND OPERA HOUSE

THE RED GOAT CLIMBING WALL

Cumberland

6 Redeness

Street

Street

YO1 9SW

YO31 7UU

COURTYARD Derwent College

YORK SPORT VILLAGE

University Road

Lakeside Way

Heslington

YO10 5FG

63a Goodramgate YO1 7LS

BARBAKAN CAFÉ AND RESTAURANT 58 Walmgate YO1 9TL

GOJI VEGETARIAN CAFE & DELI 36 Goodramgate YO1 7LF

YO10 5DD

OPEN AIR MARKET York Shambles YO1 7LZ

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14 2

THE ORDINARY BOYS INTERVIE W

THE ORDINARY BOYS INTERVIEW Ahead of their whistle-stop tour this

rediscovered some of the bands that

winter, we were able to chat to the

we used to listen to when we were

Ordinary Boys about their lives on and

teenagers and we remembered why we

off the stage, and what we can expect

wanted to play music in the first place.

from them and their new material. Sam

LOUIS, AS A RELATIVELY NEW MEMBER OF THE BAND, WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO BRING TO THE UPCOMING TOUR AND NEW MATERIAL?

Preston and newest member Louis Jones (formerly of Spectrals) let us in on their influences old and new, and what makes them happiest about bringing

A LOT OF YOUNG PEOPLE START UP BANDS WHILST AT COLLEGE/ UNI. DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR JUGGLING DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF LIFE WITH A MUSIC CAREER? SAM: I really regret not finishing the final year of my degree. I had put a lot of time into it but I had also put a lot of time into my band. My course was in

the Ordinary Boys back onto the music

LOUIS: On the November tour I want

music so it seemed counterintuitive to

scene. Keep reading for in their take on

to be able to play the old songs well

jeopardise one for the other. However

uni life, sweaty mosh pits, and most

enough that people get the same buzz

when I was offered a record deal

importantly, hummus…

that they got from them the first time

towards the end of my course I chose

around! They are super fun songs to

that instead. Somehow I’ve managed

play and I think that comes across.

to make a living from music for maybe

THIRTEEN YEARS AFTER FORMATION, HOW HAS THE BAND’S SOUND DEVELOPED?

The new material is where I do my thing

SAM: WE HAVE BEEN PLAYING

a bit more, I sing some parts and I’ve

MUSIC together since we were 12

contributed writing, my hope is that

years old and the new songs that we

those songs are good enough to sit with

are writing are more in keeping with

the old material and that people will be

how we used to write, pre first album

open to what we are going to sound like

even. Maybe it’s the freedom of writing

going forward! We had the best time

purely for fun, maybe it sometimes

together writing new songs and I think

takes a wander off the path to realise

everyone at the shows is going to be

where you feel most comfortable.

able to tell!

Part of the reason that we are doing this new tour and record is that we

10 years now but I know that should I want to pursue anything else I would have to go back to my studies when I could have juggled the 2 and finished the degree. University is a great time to have a band, with all the like-minded, new people that you meet and the free time that would otherwise be invested in day-time TV but it also gets very busy very suddenly as a band can. It’s just about having the balance so that you can invest in whichever snowballs first I suppose.

143

WILL YOU GUYS MAINTAIN OTHER PROJECTS OUTSIDE OF THE BAND

tell you off, sleeping in weird hotels,

NOW THAT YOU’VE REFORMED?

badly at indie nights after the shows.

FINALLY, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, CAN YOUR FANS EXPECT TO HAVE A DRINK WITH YOU GUYS ON THIS

SAM: I write songs for pop acts (Olly

I guess just getting away from real life

TOUR?

Murs/John Newman et al.) and Charlie

for a while!

SAM: Yes we always sell our t-shirts and

has a vintage clothes store in Falmouth.

James does sound design for movies.

IN THREE WORDS, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR SHOW AT

Everyone is very busy with lives and

BIRTHDAYS EARLIER THIS YEAR?

careers and grown up things. That

SAM: Sweaty Mosh Hole

makes this so much more of a treat for us. It feels so good and is so positive for the music to not really have to care about what people make of it. And so far that has worked out really well and the response from the new songs has been one hundred percent positive.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE TOURING PROCESS? LOUIS: Wow, there are too many

making friends with people, dancing

WHAT’S THE BEST PART OF HAVING A FAN-BASE LIKE “THE ORDINARY ARMY”?

SAM: The best part is the bit where you go on telly and make a really weird third album and they still believe in you

hang out after the shows. We always have. It’s nothing ostentatious, simply it’s the most fun thing to do after a show and it certainly beats sitting in a tiny box-room eating hummus from the rider.

The

Ordinary

Boys

spoke

to

is a current student at Manchester University.

enough to make it so you can tour 5 years later and they still want to see you!

favourite bits! Doing jokes in the van, listening to music really loud in the van, eating at M&S at service stations, playing football in the venue before doors open, drinking all of the free beers and then asking for more, playing guitar really loud but nobody that can

AFS

Student team member Lou Budd, who

For tour dates, tickets, and pictures of sock puppets, see: www.facebook.com/TheOrdinaryBoysOfficial

ISSUE THREE

The Old Church, Albert Hill Street, Didsbury, Manchester, M20 6RF Tel: 0845.351.9911

Fax: 0161.332.8261